Home Is Where The Heart Is

O’Brien’s use of similes and repetitive language outlines his central idea, which acknowledges the emotional dissonance, many soldiers experience in difficult warlike settings. O’Brien uses similes as an aspect of language to defend his central idea. This excerpt best summarizes the use of repetition to highlight the view of necessity according to O’Brien. O’Brien describes him as a realistic character when he says, “More than anything, he wanted Martha to love him as he loved her, but the letters were mostly chatty, elusive on the matter of love” (1102).

The story takes place during the Vietnam War. This example illustrates the soldier’s behaviors, which is done by directed presentation.

“The Things They Carried,” is told in a third person limited omniscient point of view. An additional example of O’Brien’s point of view, which also exemplifies his central idea, is when he recounts, “They carried all the emotional baggage of men who might die. This coincides with O’Brien’s ability to portray Lt. He sympathizes with the military soldiers inability to draw a line with their yearning for love in a time of war. Repetition is best developed starting with the example of, “Among the necessities or near necessities were P-38 can openers, pocket knives, heat tabs, wrist watches, dog tags, mosquito repellant, chewing gum, candy, cigarettes, salt tablets, Kool-Aid, lighters, matches, sewing kits, Military Payment Certificates, C rations, and two or there canteens of water” (1103). His misinterpretation of the letters make him a believe character and one that we can we relate to. Set during the Vietnam War, and told through a third-person limited omniscience with a somber tone.