1. The Things They Carried
Section 2 Discussion

2. Controversy in the Vietnam War
What made this war controversial in the United States?
Uncertainty over aggression
United States interests unclear
Draft and draft exemptions
Poor people and minorities over-represented
Atrocities (My Lai)
American casualties

3. “Spin”
Page 31– What does Azar mean when he says “the poor fucker ran out of ammo”?
P. 32 – What’s comforting about checkers? What does this show about the soldiers and the war they fight?
P.34 - Why does O’Brien write about Vietnam?
P.35 – How is that a “peace story”? Why did he return?
P.36 - Why does Azar kill the puppy?
P. 38 – “That’s what stories are for.” Compare / contrast O’Brien’s view of storytelling to the poet’s (Floyd).

4. “On the Rainy River” – The Story
Discuss the elements of the story. Jot notes on your worksheet.
Setting
Elroy
Tim

5. The Moment
Carefully read the climactic scene on the boat. Highlight any particularly meaningful lines as you go. Pay careful attention to the people and images O’Brien points out on the shore.

6. The Big Idea “I was a coward. I went to war.”
O’Brien finishes the story with a statement that would be hard to understand without reading the story itself. Yet, at the end of the story, we understand how he felt this way. How did he get us there?

7. Theme
How would Tim O’Brien define courage? The answer is one possible theme for this story.

8. Level 3 Discussion
O’Brien asks us, “What would you do?” Split that into two questions:
What do you think the right decision is?
Realistically, what would you do in his position?
“If you want to support a war, if you think it’s worth the price, that’s fine, but you have to put your own precious fluids on the line.” Do you agree or disagree with O’Brien’s statement?
Should the draft exist? Why or why not?
Is your duty to your country or to your own personal morals?
Are we often “cowards”? To what extent do you find actions based on how others will look at you?

9. Norman Morrison Read Flintoff’s article from The Guardian.
Read Mitchell’s poem.
Discuss Norman Morrison’s decision in your groups. What did he do? Why? What emotions or reactions to this moment do you have?
How does Mitchell feel about Morrison’s choice? How does Flintoff feel about it?
Analyze the tone of each writer through diction, syntax, and details.
How does this story connect to the novel? Complete the first Connection box on your Unit Guide.