Understanding Storytelling in The Things They Carried

What does O’Brien say is the purpose of storytelling in the book?

• To document exact history

• To promote patriotism

• To help understand emotions and survive the past

• To entertain the reader

How is the book structured?

• In alphabetical order

• In a single timeline

• Through fragmented memories and stories

• From the enemy’s point of view

In How to Tell a True War Story, what defines a true war story?

• It includes names and dates

• It ends with a medal

• It makes you feel the emotional truth, not the facts

• It is told by an officer

What quote best reflects O’Brien’s view of true war stories?

• He loved her more than his men.

• I watched a man die.

• A true war story is never moral.

• They carried the sky.

What strange event is described in How to Tell a True War Story?

• A rescue mission gone wrong

• Soldiers hearing music and voices in the jungle

• An ambush on the beach

• A medal ceremony

Why does Sanders’ jungle story matter, even if it’s not true?

• It’s funny

• It captures what war feels like—strange and terrifying

• It’s about music

• It proves O’Brien’s bravery

What does Notes reveal about Norman Bowker’s struggle?

• He is injured physically

• He becomes a successful writer

• He cannot find words to tell his story

• He runs away

Why does Bowker write to O’Brien in Notes?

• To ask for money

• To ask O’Brien to tell the story of Kiowa’s death

• To insult him

• To say goodbye

What quote from Notes shows the importance of telling your story?

• He was wearing his watch.

• If I could’ve said the right thing, maybe it would’ve helped.

• He wanted to hurt him.

• They were all dead.

What does storytelling become for Bowker in Notes?

• A distraction

• A way to be heard when he can’t speak

• A form of revenge

• A joke