Jimmy Cross And Tim O Brien's The Things They Carried

In the book The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, Jimmy Cross and Tim O’Brien’s love with their long lost lovers was a thing a beauty. No matter the distance or time that had passed, their love for their lovers never waivered even when they both knew that it was never meant to be because of Linda’s death and Martha’s unwillingness to cooperate. Considering that Jimmy Cross’ love with Martha wasn’t just about her, but about Martha and the war and how they were an inspiration, a distraction, and corresponded off each other. However, Tim O’Brien’s love with Linda wasn’t just about love, but also about how memories have ability to cope with loose of loved ones or comrades. Actually, Martha and the war were inspirations and distractions for

Tim says, “When I write about her now, three decades later, … I know for a fact that what we felt for each other was as deep and rich as love can ever get” (216). Therefore, this proves that even with time and death he still loves her and it wasn’t a premature love like most people have but a true soul mate. Tim also says, “Even then, at nine years old, I wanted to melt into her bones – that king of love” (216). This further proves that he understood what true love was at a young age and is truly astonishing. Despite experiencing what true love was, he established a long lasting love that he used memories to make it thrive. An example of this is when Tim describes his first date with her. “A double date, … it was very special, … thinking how beautiful she was, … the smile never went away” (216-217). According to this quote, he can remember how beautiful she was, how special that night was, and how tantalizing her smile was. As long Tim could remember those things; he knew that remembering those simple things would love his love for her thrive. On the contrary, Tim also uses happy memories to remind him of his dead comrades. One of the main ways Tim remembered all of his dead comrades from war were what superstition item everyone chooses to carry with them. Firstly, Tim remembers Henry Dobbins by carrying his girlfriend’s pantyhose around his neck. He thought he was invincible with those around his neck, however no one is invincible. Tim also remembers Kiowa by carrying his New Testament bible. He thought that if he continued his faith that God would help him pull through and survive. Finally, Tim remembers Ted Lavender with is marijuana and tranquilizers that he had with him. Ted was always high and didn’t want to remember what was happening in the war. In short, dealing with deaths is hard for anyone, but Tim got through them by remembering the happy