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The Things I Carry Rhetorical Analysis

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Writer’s Memo #1: “The Things I Carry”

Inspiration Chapter
In the chapter “The Things I Carry” by O’Brien, O’Brien lists things that the soldiers of his platoon carry, either tangible or intangible. The soldiers carry things ranging from “their grandmother’s distaste for the white man” to their girlfriend's pantyhose around their neck. Some soldiers carry more intangible things like emotions. Ted Lavender carried fear and tranquilizers to combat said fear.

This chapter reminded me of the multiple intangible emotions I carry. Depression and anxiety. For most of my life I have carried these emotions as they drag me down. They are a part of me, they are what make me, me. I’ve gone through some tough times while dealing with these everyday

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