IndexThe Burden of GuiltThe Burden of LoveThe Burden of LeadershipConclusionBibliographyIt has always been known that war burdens soldiers with physical and emotional baggage. Tim O'Brien's novel, "The Things They Carried," explores the burden carried by soldiers during the Vietnam War, both literally and metaphorically. Among the characters in the novel, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross stands out as a prime example of the emotional baggage that soldiers carry with them. Through his character, O'Brien examines the devastating effects of guilt, love, and the burden of leadership on a young soldier. This essay will analyze various aspects of Jimmy Cross's baggage and how they shape his experiences during the war, shedding light on the broader implications of war on the human psyche. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Weight of Guilt One of the major aspects of Jimmy Cross's baggage is the weight of guilt he carries with him throughout the novel. As the platoon leader, he blames himself for the death of Ted Lavender, one of his soldiers. O'Brien writes, "He had loved Martha more than his men, and as a result, Lavender was now dead" (O'Brien 15). Cross's guilt over his concern for Martha, a love interest of his back home, weighs heavily on his conscience, making him question his ability to lead and protect his men. This guilt serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities he carries as a soldier. Furthermore, Cross's guilt is further amplified by his inability to forgive himself. Despite the fact that Lavender's death was not directly caused by his negligence, Cross believes he failed in his duty as a leader. This guilt becomes a driving force in his actions and decisions during the war, shaping his character and leading to a deeper understanding of the psychological toll war takes on soldiers. The Burden of Love Another significant aspect of Jimmy Cross' baggage is his overwhelming love for Martha. . Martha represents a symbol of comfort and escape from the harsh realities of war. Cross carries his letters and photographs, a physical reminder of his emotional attachment to her. However, this love becomes a burden that distracts him from his duties and responsibilities as a soldier. O'Brien writes, "He was just a little boy at war, in love. He was twenty-four" (O'Brien 5). Cross's deep affection for Martha clouds his judgment and hinders his ability to make rational decisions in the face of danger, ultimately resulting in the deaths of his men. Through the character of Cross, O'Brien explores the conflict between love and duty, and the high price to pay. that soldiers pay when their emotional attachments interfere with their role as soldiers. This burden of love weighs heavily on Cross' heart and becomes a significant factor in shaping his experiences during the war. The Burden of Leadership As the leader of the platoon, Jimmy Cross carries the burden of leadership on his shoulders. He feels responsible for the lives of his men and the decisions he makes. O'Brien writes, "He slipped into daydreams, simply pretending, walking barefoot along the Jersey shore" (O'Brien 10). Cross's daydreams reflect his desire to escape the harsh realities of war and the immense pressure he faces as a leader. Additionally, the burden of leadership causes Cross to question his own abilities and constantly strive for perfection. He burdens himself with the thought that he must be an impeccable leader to protect his men. This burden of leadership, 1990.