Podcast
Questions and Answers
How long has O'Brien been at war when the platoon is fired on by a village near the South China Sea?
How long has O'Brien been at war when the platoon is fired on by a village near the South China Sea?
4 days
Who pokes fun at a dead old man whose right arm has been blown off?
Who pokes fun at a dead old man whose right arm has been blown off?
Who tells O'Brien he is doing the right thing by not participating?
Who tells O'Brien he is doing the right thing by not participating?
Kiowa
What is the name of the girl whom O'Brien was in love with in the spring of 1959 and how old was she?
What is the name of the girl whom O'Brien was in love with in the spring of 1959 and how old was she?
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What movie did O'Brien and Linda see?
What movie did O'Brien and Linda see?
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Where did O'Brien and Linda go after the movie?
Where did O'Brien and Linda go after the movie?
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What was revealed when Linda's cap was removed?
What was revealed when Linda's cap was removed?
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What ended up happening to Linda?
What ended up happening to Linda?
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What happened to O'Brien after Linda died?
What happened to O'Brien after Linda died?
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How did the soldiers make the dead seem less dead in Vietnam?
How did the soldiers make the dead seem less dead in Vietnam?
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How does O'Brien conclude the book?
How does O'Brien conclude the book?
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Study Notes
O'Brien's Experience in War
- O'Brien's platoon faces gunfire near the South China Sea just four days into the war.
- Soldiers cope with the trauma of death in combat through storytelling, creating a sense of continuity for the deceased.
Key Relationships and Characters
- Dave Jensen mocks a dead old man, illustrating the dark humor soldiers use to handle mortality.
- Kiowa supports O'Brien, affirming that he is justified in refraining from mocking the dead.
Personal Memories and Loss
- O'Brien's first love was Linda, a nine-year-old girl, highlighting the innocence of youthful affection in contrast to the horrors of war.
- They watched the film "The Man Who Never Was" together, marking a cherished memory before tragedy struck.
- After their movie outing, they went to Dairy Queen, emphasizing the simplicity of their bond.
Linda's Illness
- Linda suffered from a brain tumor, which ultimately claimed her life, leaving a profound impact on O'Brien.
- Following her death, O'Brien experienced emotional withdrawal and an obsession with sleep, showcasing his struggle to cope with grief.
Themes of Life and Death
- The narrative concludes with the reflection that the dead continue to exist through memories and stories, underscoring a central theme in the work.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of Section 22 of 'The Things They Carried.' This quiz includes flashcards covering key events and characters from the text, focusing on the themes of war and memory. Challenge yourself to recall important details about O'Brien's experiences and relationships.
