Rat Kiley Symbolism

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War severely affects people. In the novel, The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien, the author depicts scenes from the tragic Vietnam War. O'Brien uses a massive cast of characters to describe the horror of this place. Rat Kiley, a character in the novel, carries two physical, symbolic things with him-a medical kit and comfort. Kiley carries these things for many reasons, and shows their purpose as symbols. Kiley carries a medical kit along with him throughout the war. The author states that, "Rat Kiley carried a canvas satchel filled with...all the things a medic must carry". Kiley's canvas satchel is critical to the role of a medic. It symbolizes his position in the war, and what he must be prepared to face in the midst of chaos. The book

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