The Effets of War in Tim O’brian’s “the Things They Carry” Essay Example

thoughts of Martha instead of being attentive to his duties and soldiers.After Lavender's death outside Than Khe, the soldiers burned the village. The next morning, Lieutenant Cross burned Martha's letters and photos and decided to let go of his daydreams but would keep the pebble for now. He chooses to remember Martha as a part of a separate world and plans to distance himself from his soldiers and take full responsibility for Lavender's death. He aims for strict discipline among his troops, preventing them from discarding their equipment during marches. The soldiers carry with them a heavy burden of guilt, haunted by the ghosts of their fallen comrades and those they've killed. While some soldiers become emotionally numb, others are relieved to be alive amidst the tragedy. The soldiers share stories of those who shot themselves to avoid going to war or leaving Vietnam.Although the soldiers appear to despise the locals, in reality, they yearn to trade places with them and escape from the jungle and warfare. They fantasize about flying away from their current circumstance, as depicted in the passage "They were flying. The weights fell off; there was nothing to bear" (399). However, only a few can actually leave as many wounded and deceased soldiers are carried on flights back home. The rest must remain in Vietnam until the war concludes before they can depart.