Module 16 Discussion #1

12/14/2013

Be sure to read the first vignette in order to participate in this discussion.

In the title story "The Things They Carried," how do the things the men carry help define them as individuals? What are some of the more interesting items? Which "things" were unexpected? What would you carry if you went to war?

Please respond to two (2) peers during this discussion.

Cristina

12/16/2013 12:15:51 pm

Everyone has their own defining feature. now this feature can be a look, tone of voice or something they always carry with them. In this book, the men are at war and they do not have the energy or the means to carry around huge personal items. One man has a picture of a girl he love. He keeps her in his thoughts as something to go home to.I think the most unexpected items that was mentioned was condoms. This kind of took me by surprise because they are at war and one would not think that the soldiers had time for women. I understand that they had hope but I thought it was pretty funny and odd. I thought it was really interesting that Kiowa carried his grandmother's distrust of white man. Just because this is such a strong emotion because of it's controversy. Kiowa also carried moccasins which I find very interesting. A slingshot was carried by someone as well. These are things that most likely brought theses men comfort and familiarity.

Cristina

12/16/2013 12:18:21 pm

(adding to my post) If I went to war I would carry pictures of my family so that I always have a loving and familiar face to gaze upon in the wake of terror and I would wear my cross around my neck. The cross would serve a s a reminder of faith and strength. By wearing the cross I would put my life in Gods hands, knowing that his will be done.

Mrs. Erdman

12/17/2013 10:35:33 am

Cristina,
Great job to add to your post as you realized that you didn't answer the entire question.
Furthermore, I, too, thought condoms was an odd item to bring; however, these were very young men--the same age as some of you and your peers. Maybe then not such an odd item, huh?

Tori

12/18/2013 04:45:03 am

I definitely have to agree with you about the condoms. I think it is funny that that was something the soldiers carried with them. I just feel as if I were going to War I would be taking things that meant something to me or something I needed and I don't think condoms are a necessity. Although, Mrs. Erdman made a good point with her comment I still don't think it seems right. I think that by the things the men carried it could show the kind of person they were. It can show a lot about a person. For example; Jimmy Cross, he carries the letters of Martha even though she doesn't love him he is hopeful that one day she might.

Logan

12/20/2013 02:32:42 pm

I feel as though the condoms were something I was expecting to see in the book for at least one of them to carry. We have all heard the rumors of war and what goes on between men there; especially so during a draft because it was mainly younger men.

Steven

12/17/2013 04:29:23 am

A person's hobbies, likes, and what they do are really what defines them as a person. In the first Vignette of the book, the narrator talks about all of the different items that the characters carry around with them. These items range from what they like and cherish to what they need to have with them at all times. For example, the lieutenant is always carrying a map, compass and other tools to get around for the rest of his crew whereas a rifleman is carrying around an M16 in order to protect the rest of the crew. Each of them also have something special to them ranging from a rock and letters that a loved one sent to a pantyhose that is worn around the neck in order to feel what he once had. One of the more interesting items that the characters had carried with is the thumb from a burned Viet Cong member who was only 16 years old. If I found myself setting up to go the war I believe the thing that I would bring with me are picture of my family, friends that I consider family, and past memories that served me well. Having something to help you stay positive is one of the most important things in such a depressing place and there is nothing more positive in life than family.

Cristina

12/19/2013 07:31:04 am

I also thought the thumb was weird! I agree with you that having memories of family and friends is a good way to stay positive. The wars that this country has been involved with are gruesome and it is hard to remain same in those situations.

Tori

12/17/2013 08:26:32 am

I believe that what someone carries with them can sort of define someone as a person. As Steven said, the things these people carry can range from many different things. For example, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carries the letters from a girl back home. They are not love letters at all but he wishes they would be. This shows that he is a very loving and hopeful person. One of the more interesting items mentioned was how Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers. Although it states that in the book as well it shows that he might be more scared than others and chooses to carry more unheard of weapons. The soldiers are provided with their own weapons so this was interesting to me. I have to agree with Cristina where the most unexpected things were probably the condoms. As comical as it sounds it is very unexpected. I also was not aware that the soldiers had time to be doing these kinds of things.

Tori

12/17/2013 08:29:35 am

*adding to my post* If I went to War I would carry pictures of the people that were closest to me. This would make me feel better if I was missing home or anyone in particular. Also I would take extra food just incase I ran out. I would be supplied with weapons so I would not take any others.

Logan

12/17/2013 09:22:42 am

In my reading, I noticed that the things people carried often showed their ways of coping with the war. For example, Jimmy Cross carried pictures and letters from Martha which would help comfort him, but later became more of a burden than advantage. One of the most interesting items was the Old Testament that Kiowa carries. He loves to read it when he feels especially worried, but that isn't everything. It was also a sentimental gift that he received from home, and the smells of the book itself helped to relax him. He describes in detail the smell of the pages, binding glue, and the chemicals used to make it. The thing that I found most unexpected was Ted Lavender carrying the dope. I assumed that there were some type of checks that men had to go through and have their items looked at before entering war. I would never have thought that drugs were used by soldiers during their time at war. If I went to war I would carry photos much like Jimmy Cross did. I know that they would always be able to pull me out of a bad mood and take me back to that specific moment in time.

Mrs. Erdman

12/17/2013 10:39:45 am

Logan,
It is so exciting for an English teacher to see a student take his reading farther than just the surface.
"...which would help comfort him, but later became more of a burden than advantage." Excellent observation.
Imagine that the smell of a book could be a comfort during a time of distress. I know of cancer patients who say that reading was a source of comfort for them.
When people are in uncomfortable situations, it is amazing what items will bring some relief.

Cristina

12/19/2013 07:26:59 am

I was really impressed with how much further you went with you item analysis shall we say. I did not think of the letters as a burden until I read your post, which was written beautifully. On the other hand I do no think it is such a sock that the soldier had drugs. It was a very different time period and usually soldiers got cigarettes in their care packages wich is not something you would see today. They probably did not know an if they knew they turned a blind eye to the drugs .

Jess

12/20/2013 01:52:31 pm

I also found the Old Testament carried from Kiowa something of the most interesting things carried to me. Out of all things, he finds just the simplicity in it of the most comfort, such as the smells of it. I don't understand either how they didn't get in trouble for drugs but at the same time that was probably the least of the worries that they checked them for before going to war.

Sam

12/17/2013 10:26:37 am

The first story, which has soldiers carrying things that define them, show their hope and dependence on people or things that would help them get through war. For example, Kiowa carries a bible that his father gave him. His religion clearly is his way of staying sane in the war. Also, Lavender carries marijuana and tranquilizers that helps him stay calm. I was surprised that Lavender could carry marijuana. It's illegal in the U.S., but I guess the rules change during war. If I went to war, I would carry a bible in case I need support to feel that someone is looking after me.

Mrs. Erdman

12/17/2013 10:45:04 am

Sam,
I'm surprised that you questioned the marijuana. While it IS illegal (most places), how many prisoners use drugs, how many students abuse alcohol, and how many children still purchase cigarettes? All of those things are illegal, but they still occur; however, we are never surprised about those things. Is it because the war happened back in the 1960s, so the illusion is that people were more pure? ignorant?
Again, thinking of the 1960s, wasn't that a time of profuse drug use?

Steven

12/19/2013 03:42:54 am

You bring up a great point about the marijuana being illegal in the United States, and it makes me wonder if the laws were to change in a war situation. Even if they didn't, Mrs. Erdman brings up a great point in saying that many of the things that teenagers even do today are illegal but it doesn't stop them from doing it anyway. The 1960's were clearly had worse teenagers than teenagers are today. Maybe bringing the marijuana was a rebellious act against being forced into a war that they wanted no part in.

Jess

12/20/2013 01:56:18 pm

I agree with you that it shows the hope and dependence on people or things to get them through war. It's interesting how people need different things in order for them to not feel alone in times of trouble. Everyone has a different escape for peace and I find it interesting how everyone's escape varies. It's weird how it can range from someone carrying a bible to keep them close to God to someone carrying marijuana to make them feel better about life, both used as a want for momentary calmness.

Logan

12/20/2013 02:39:36 pm

Just realizing that dope was marijuana (I guess I'm pretty far behind on street terms), I think it is very interesting that one would carry it in war. The book talks about each item pound by pound, and I find it interesting that one would add on extra weight from the marijuana itself, a bong/pipe/rolling papers, and a lighter. It seems to me that it would be a huge hassle no matter the relaxation that it could provide. Although, I do suppose that comfort is what they are all searching for, and they will do anything to get it.

Christine

12/17/2013 12:02:32 pm

A lot of things have the ability to define people, especially the things they surround themselves with. For example, if someone were to carry around a bible, it could infer that they are devoted to the church and that they like are filled with morals and insight. Jimmy Cross carries around love letters and pictures of his girlfriend, Martha, back home. This was a constant reminder to him of his love for Martha. It’s sad however because the narrator indicates that Cross does not believe Martha is providing him with the same love and devotion. Another interesting item that is being carried is a New Testament, which is carried by Kiowa. It is obvious that Kiowa is very religious. Finally, Ted Lavender carries marijuana in order to calm him down. Which is understandable considering many people have many ways of coping with traumatizing events such as war. In conclusion, if I went to war, I would most likely bring my pictures of me with my friends, my family, and my favorite places to remind me of my life back home and to remind me to keep fighting so I could one day to return to them.

Steven

12/19/2013 03:51:47 am

I agree with the items that you would bring to war. Pictures are the gateway back to a better time, and in such a tough time, nothing would be better than reliving those happier moments. After reading multiple responses from everybody, I am surprised that everyone is shocked that Kiowa is carrying around religious pieces of work. Many people are religious and look to their god as a place of relief. Its something that gives people faith at home and bringing it to war doesn't really surprise me as much as it did the rest of you. I felt as though you made many other good points such as the marijuana being a coping device in such a traumatizing event. Finally, you mention that Lieutenant Cross did not receive the same love from Martha and that it was "sad," is it really? Its a personal feeling. As we find out later, she doesn't even want a relationship at all. Its not necessarily Cross' fault but Martha's personal feelings toward a relationship.

Christine

12/19/2013 04:55:03 pm

I truly do think pictures have the ability to brighten up a persons day even just for a second. Now that you point it out, it has become a lot clearer to me that bringing Kiowa bringing the New Testament along with him is not strange as praying might relief his stress. I think I found it odd because when I think of big army guys, an image of a body builder chewing on nails with out any milk, pops into my head. Finally, I am not diminishing Cross by saying his situation is "sad," (yes... I should have used a better word) but I am pitying him for having to not only stress about war and staying alive but also the fear of somebody loving him back.

Samantha

12/17/2013 12:22:16 pm

While reading this first section, I was able to learn many different things from simply the items people brought along with them. For example, as Kiowa brought along with him a copy of the New Testament given to him by his father, it was clear that he is a very religious and I’m predicting him to be the one to remind everybody of the morally right thing to do. Also Lieutenant Jimmy Cross brings along letters from his love back home. He does not believe Martha feels the same way, which leaves him in distraught. Lastly, Henry Dobbins carries along his girlfriend’s pantyhose around his neck. Personally, if I went to war, I would bring along with me a journal and a pencil to record my thoughts and my experiences of war. Although I know these experiences would not be something I would want to remember, who knows maybe it will become a bestseller one day.

Tori

12/19/2013 03:30:11 am

I think that you can learn a lot by just the items a person brings with them. It can really show off their own personality. I like your thought to how Kiowa might be the one to remind everyone the right thing to do since he is religious. Although the letters from Martha that Jimmy carries may make him upset that she doesn't feel the same way, don't you think that they also make him happy? I mean, why would he bring something that upsets him to War?

Jess

12/20/2013 01:49:35 pm

The things the men carried help define each man as an individual because it shows what exactly is especially important to them. Each of their belongings weighs roughly from fifteen to twenty pounds so you can tell they have to carry a very limited amount of things. Each person brings something to help get them through the war whether it is cigarettes, drugs, or a diary. They all bring something to get them by. Some of the more interesting things I would say would be the Old Testament that Kiowa brings. It's interesting as he describes the smell of it and how everything about it is comforting to him. One of the things I found unexpected were the letters from Martha. She does not write love letters yet she still consistently writes to Jimmy Cross. Also, she never discusses the war, which is kind of unusual. If I went to war I would carry a diary so that I could document every moment and feeling I felt during the time. Also, I would carry pictures of my family to look back at when I needed comfort.

Samantha

12/20/2013 04:35:03 pm

I also felt that the things each man carried helped define each one of them as an individual. This helped the reader get to know each character as an individual rather than a group of soldiers. I feel like carrying a personal item that weighs 15-20 pounds along with other war items could add to the weight they already must carry. I also like that you mentioned these items were a sense of getting by to the characters.

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Module 16 Discussion #1

Mrs. Erdman

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