"The Things They Carried,' by Tim O'Brien,

        'The Things They Carried,' by Tim O'Brien, contains many references to 'possessions of character.' Many things Lt. Cross carries were carried by all, including: military equipment, stationery, photographs, diseases, food, the land of Vietnam itself, their lives, and even more. O'Brien highlights these along with special things that Lt. Jimmy Cross carries. He, thus, reveals something of what Cross values. Belongings reflect his character and thoughts. 'Grief, terror, love, longing--these were intangibles, but …showed first 75 words of 386 total…

…showed last 75 words of 386 total…burden to him.         Everything that Jimmy Cross carries bears more physical weight than the letters. Nothing, however, seems to be nearly as much of a burden. Cross is an ignorant young man going into the war. Lavender's death and everything going on around him opens his eyes to the immediate dangers. What he has, both inside and outside, have kept him from realizing this. 'His obligation was not to be loved but to lead.'