Sheena M. Bish Dr. Melekian, April 30, 2014The Burden of MemoryS. Bish 1The Weight of MemoryThe Things They Carried, by author Tim O'Brien, is set during the Vietnam War; the story follows several American soldiers and their struggles with identity. In the novel, O'Brien illustrates the personal and mental costs of enduring the horrific events of war; which are capable of changing a person's character. O'Brien recounts the items each serviceman carried and how the items provided comfort during war. The common survival essentials carried by each man could be used as a means to represent the traditional concept of “uniformity” within a military unit; Items such as lighters, can openers, wristwatches, pocket knives and water canteens1 are all essential means of physical survival. Tim O'Brien demonstrates that simple objects such as photographs, letters, the Bible, and a diary can help soldiers preserve their humanity: the person they once were. The personal objects that the soldier carried with him allowed them to mentally separate themselves from reality; These items are great...