Questions and Answers
What was the pact that Dave Jensen and Lee Strunk made together?
That if one of them was injured so bad to become wheelchair bound that they would kill them
What was Lee afraid of when he saw Jensen, and what did he make him promise?
That he was going to kill him; he made him promise to not kill him
Why does O'Brien reverse the traditional order of 'friends and enemies' when sequencing the chapters?
Using both chapters 'Enemies' and 'Friends,' explain how war distorts the normal social codes.
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What is the irony of this chapter?
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Study Notes
Pact Between Dave Jensen & Lee Strunk
- Jensen and Strunk agreed to a pact regarding severe injury; if one became wheelchair-bound, the other would end his life.
Lee's Fear and Promise
- Lee Strunk feared being killed by Jensen if he was gravely injured; he compelled Jensen to promise he wouldn't take his life.
O'Brien's Sequence of Chapters
- O'Brien intentionally reverses the sequence of "friends and enemies" to challenge traditional views on relationships in wartime, highlighting complexities in human connections.
War's Impact on Social Codes
- War significantly alters societal norms, leading individuals to experience extreme emotions; friends may see each other as threats, with some even desiring death over pain.
Irony in the Chapter
- The chapter's irony stems from the twisted nature of friendship and loyalty in war; bonds can turn into life-and-death dilemmas under extreme circumstances.
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Description
Explore the complex relationships and ironies presented in Tim O'Brien's 'The Things They Carried'. This quiz delves into the pacts formed between characters, their fears, and the overarching effects of war on friendship and loyalty. Analyze how O'Brien challenges traditional views on relationships in wartime through striking narratives.
