Journal Author Tim O’Brien begins his novel The Things They Carried with a list of items that the soldiers carry, both physical and intangible items. He notes that the physical items often reflect their position (i.e. Rat Kiley the medic carries medical supplies) and/or beliefs (Kiowa carries the Bible). They also carry emotions, and as the reader will learn, the novel is about the emotions involved in war. Reflect on the items you carry. Identify tangible items that you carry every day and why you carry them (i.e. cell phone to communicate, watch to tell time, a certain piece of jewelry for its sentimental value). Also identify the intangible items that you carry (i.e. fear, excitement, curiosity). Respond in a well-formed paragraph (5-7 sentences).

Journal Make me out to be a good guy, okay? Brave and handsome, all that stuff. Best platoon leader ever…. And do me a favor. Don’t mention anything about…” (O’Brien 29). Respond in a paragraph (5-7 sentences): What is it that Jimmy Cross is requesting of Tim O’Brien? Describe a time when you asked someone to hide the truth, skew the truth, or not tell the whole truth. Does corrupting the truth help or destroy a story? Explain.

Journal “I survived, but that’s not a happy ending. I was a coward. I went to the war” (O’Brien 58). Respond in a paragraph (5-7 sentences): In your opinion, is it courageous to go to war or to avoid war? Explain.

Journal “She had crossed to the other side. She was part of the land. She was wearing her culottes, her pick sweater, and a necklace of human tongues. She was dangerous. She was ready for the kill” (O’Brien 110). Respond in a paragraph (5-7 sentences): Describe how Mary Ann’s personality changes. According to the author, what is the reason for these changes? Describe an event in your life that changed you. Explain the reason for this change.

Journal Tim O’Brien does not tell his nine year old daughter about the man he killed in Vietnam. He does this to protect her. Should parents hide the truth from their children in order to protect them? When, if ever, is this acceptable? Explain. Respond in a paragraph (5-7 sentences).

Journal “For a moment he’d almost pulled over, just to talk, but instead he’d pushed down hard on the gas pedal. She looked happy. She had her house and her new husband, and there was nothing he could say to her” (O’Brien 133). Why does Norman Bowker choose not to talk to Sally? In a well-developed paragraph, describe a time when you wanted to express yourself, but you chose not to.