The Things They Carried

Front

What is the main theme of 'The Things They Carried'?

Back

The main theme is the emotional and psychological burdens that soldiers carry during and after the war.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

Who is Lt. Jimmy Cross?

Back

Lt. Jimmy Cross is a character in the story who is the platoon leader and is preoccupied with his love for Martha.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Front

What does the pebble symbolize in the story?

Back

The pebble symbolizes luck and the emotional connection Lt. Cross has with Martha.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Front

How does the war affect the soldiers' mental health?

Back

The war leads to trauma, guilt, and emotional distress, impacting their ability to cope with civilian life.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

Front

What role does memory play in 'The Things They Carried'?

Back

Memory serves as a way for soldiers to process their experiences and cope with their trauma.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Front

What is the significance of the title 'The Things They Carried'?

Back

The title refers to both the physical items soldiers carry and the emotional burdens they bear.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RI.9-10.9

CCSS.RI.K.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

How does Tim O'Brien use storytelling in the narrative?

Back

Tim O'Brien uses storytelling to convey the complexities of truth and memory in war experiences.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RI.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.K.6

Front

What does Norman Bowker struggle with after the war?

Back

Norman Bowker struggles with feelings of isolation, guilt, and the inability to communicate his experiences.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RI.9-10.9

CCSS.RI.K.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What does Azar's action with the puppy reveal about his character?

Back

Azar's action reveals a lack of empathy and the desensitization to violence that can occur in war.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is the impact of Martha's letters on Lt. Cross?

Back

Martha's letters provide comfort but also distract Lt. Cross from his responsibilities as a leader.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RI.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.K.6