The Things They Carried Section 20

Questions and Answers

How many times has O'Brien been shot?

Twice

Who treats O'Brien the first time?

Rat Kiley the medic

What happens to Rat Kiley and who replaces him?

Kiley has been wounded and shipped off; Bobby Jorgenson replaces him.

What happens when O'Brien is shot the second time?

Jorgenson is incapable of treating his shock, resulting in a harrowing experience. Signup and view all the answers

O'Brien is forced to sleep on his ______.

stomach Signup and view all the answers

What else does O'Brien have to do to treat his wounds?

Smear antibacterial ointment Signup and view all the answers

What stories does O'Brien hear when the helicopter comes?

One about a soldier who decided to go for a swim and ended up with a disease treated by Jorgenson. Signup and view all the answers

How does O'Brien feel about Jorgenson?

O'Brien begins resenting Jorgenson for making him feel guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What does O'Brien do to Jorgenson?

O'Brien and Azar go spook Jorgenson as he serves all-night duty. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the end of the section?

Jorgenson and O'Brien shake hands, and Jorgenson compliments O'Brien. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

O'Brien's Injuries

O'Brien has been shot twice during the war.
The first treatment is administered by Rat Kiley, a medic admired for his skill and courage.

Medic Changes

After O'Brien's initial recovery, Rat Kiley has been wounded and replaced by Bobby Jorgenson.
Jorgenson struggles to treat O'Brien effectively after his second shooting, leading to a traumatic experience for O'Brien.

Recovery Challenges

O'Brien is forced to sleep on his stomach to manage his wounds.
He must also apply antibacterial ointment to his injuries for treatment.

Stories and Atmosphere

O'Brien hears anecdotes while in recovery, including a soldier who contracted a disease while swimming, later treated by Jorgenson.

Relationships and Tensions

O'Brien develops resentment towards Jorgenson, feeling guilt for his circumstances.
This resentment leads to a prank where O'Brien and Azar try to scare Jorgenson during his night shift.

Resolution

At the end of the section, O'Brien and Jorgenson share a handshake, with Jorgenson complimenting O'Brien on his storytelling.
They engage in playful banter, deciding to scare Azar, which lightens the earlier tension.

Description

Test your knowledge on Section 20: The Ghost Soldiers from 'The Things They Carried'. This section dives into O'Brien's experiences and the bond between soldiers. Explore key characters and events that shape their journey.