The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien In the short story The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, the author explores human nature and the emotions that are carried with them. This emotional baggage is represented by the love that a soldier feels towards a girl back home. It is contrasted by the everyday things they carry while at war. Ultimately this story deals with the theme of growing up and taking responsibility. One of …showed first 75 words of 648 total…

…showed last 75 words of 648 total…Cross takes responsibility for the death of one of his men and burns the letters. The truth in this story is equally important. Young men who are not ready for these responsibilities are the ones sent of to war. The change that takes place is accelerated for those in the field of battle. This story's theme is one that can relate to most, if not all of those who are in battle as young men.