Premium Essay

Evaluate a Story Things

In:

Submitted By bellicosepatriot
Words 904
Pages 4
Evaluating A Story:
“The Things They Carried”, By Tim O’Brien

The Vietnam War really tested the emotions of the soldiers who deployed there. “The Things They Carried” explained from the physical items carried to the emotional burdens of soldiers fighting in Vietnam. Tim O’Brien, the author had also served time over in Vietnam. This story gives the reader a good understanding of the daily things that can occur. Even if it is abrupt and traumatic, the soldiers have to carry on to continue their mission. Tim O’Brien really writes with a simple style. The sentences themselves were not very long, but more so to the point. He had explained things in detail, but it was not overly done. I thought the style of writing went well with the soldiers mindsets of the checklist of events that go along with their lives over there. From getting one thing done to another, as simple as it is, the sentences complimented the events that played a long. The word choices were with good vocabulary, and they didn’t require anything higher than a high school education. He used several military abbreviations that one outside of the military may not understand (example: PFC stands for Private First Class). The tone of the story is sadness. Realizing the events that happen over in a war zone can be really sad. It is a shock to read about a man, an American Soldier just fall down and die. There was also emotional shock with some of the soldiers who had to just shrug it off, and even the shock of realizing that some of their mindsets were not in Vietnam. “One things for sure. The lieutenant’s in some deep hurt,” said by Kiowa a Native American soldier after the death of Ted Lavender. The mention of going day by day, doing the same things over and over, was what also put a sense of sorrow in the story. The title “The Things They Carried” was an ironic one. Although it does mention the

Similar Documents

Free Essay

How Do the Narrative Resolution and Climactic Revelations in Dead Man’s Curve Cause the Audience to Re-Evaluate the Meanings Communicated by the Overall Narrative Structure, Using the Robert Mckee Model and Making

...climactic revelations in Dead Man’s Curve cause the audience to re-evaluate the meanings communicated by the overall narrative structure, using the Robert McKee model and making references to Todorov and Propp where appropriate?- To begin with there are 3 different plots which are revealed to the audience throughout the movie. The initial plot that is revealed to the audience is the plot between Tim and Chris. From the very start of the film the audience acknowledges that Tim and Chris are plotting to kill their roommate Rand by attempting to make it look as though Rand has committed suicide. The whole reason for the plot is so they both get straight A’s and go to the University of their dreams. The McKee Narrative Model looks at the most important stages in a movie. These stages include; the inciting incident, progressive complications, crisis, climax and a resolution. The inciting incident is an event that happens which sets off the story. In this case the inciting incident is the plot to kill Rand and make it look like a suicide which is being planned out by Tim and Chris to gain straight A’s. The initial reason why Rand was chosen to be killed by Tim and Chris is because as a character he is presented in a fairly rude and harsh way. For example the disrespect towards Natalie and the general poor manners he has towards most things. Progressive complications are events which make things worse in the story. In this plot between Tim and Chris a progressive complication is...

Words: 1033 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Literature Program

...support at least one developmental goal for each area of development. There are several things you would look at when evaluating fiction. You would look at the following; strengths and weaknesses in plot, setting, characterization, theme, and style of writing (Giorgis & Glazer, 2009). The plot of a story is what happens in the story. A good plot is interesting and logical (2009). When accessing the plot and during the evaluation you should chose books where things in the story happen logically. The setting in a story is where and when the story takes place (2009). The setting is a very important part of the story that affects the whole story if it were to be changed. Setting may be either specific to a certain time or place or more general in nature such as far, far, away. Characterization is how the author portrays the characters in the story (2009). Character takes on a lifelike appearance to small children if the author is creative enough, and this is done in the correctly. Theme is usually the moral of the story. Some stories will more than one them and others will have no theme (2009). The style of writing is helps create the mood of the story (2009). When evaluating a children’s book make sure that they are free of biases and stereotypes (2009). This is important because children at this age group are very impressionable and need to be exposed to positive material. The story should have a...

Words: 889 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Assignment 2 Current and Media Affairs

...Identify the methods used in the regulation and self-regulation of the media in the UK Regulation is a compulsory part of modern media. It sets clear instructions on the content and conduct of things that are being shown to the general public. Self-regulation is when the media are independent from the state in that they regulate their own material, and decide what viewers should see and not see. How is the media regulated? Here in the UK, the government has absolutely no power over what the media publish. From 1990 to 2014, media was regulated by the Press Complaints Commission, which was replaced by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. These bodies are entirely independent from the government. This is one of the messages on the homepage of the IPSO: "IPSO is committed to working with the newspaper and magazine industry to maintain and enhance the freedom and authority of the press through effective, independent regulation." When an independent organisation regulates the media, bias is not so much of an issue as it would be otherwise. Standards are set by the regulating body, and media outlets have the obligation as part of the media, to cooperate and follow them. When a company breaches the standards that have been set, the IPSO will conduct it's own independent investigation into whether the allegation is true. The IPSO works on democracy; the majority of newspapers and other media outlets support it, so therefore there is no resistance to it's successful...

Words: 1013 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Detecting Media Bias

...engine to find a recent headline news story in one of the following areas: local or national politics, economics, or business news.   Write a 350- to 700-word paper clarifying the importance of making critical evaluations of news stories. Use the following questions to help develop your paper:   ·         Was the reporting of the news story clear and accurate, with sufficient depth and breadth? ·         Were some facts reported while others were ignored? ·         Did the story consider alternative perspectives and worldviews? ·         Were there any questionable assumptions implicit in the story? ·         Were any implications ignored while others were emphasized? ·         Why is it important to make distinctions when undertaking a critical evaluation? ·         How would you evaluate this story if it were on the television news versus reading it online? What about on the radio? I have located an article that discusses a CNN/Thumbtack survey that discusses how small business owners have been impacted by the government shutdown. The news story was very accurate and in depth, since the information given comes from a survey that was conducted to 100 businesses. This news story considered different alternatives. They covered how many different business such as contractors such and janitors that worked in federal buildings are not allowed in the federal and government facilities. The story emphasizes as well the impact on how small...

Words: 618 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Tips to Write

... | |Literary/Informational Comprehension | | | | | | | |Categorize |to place somebody or something in a particular category and |“Categorize the types of elephants discussed in the passage, | | |define or judge the person or thing accordingly |‘All Elephants.’ Describe the main characteristics of the | | | |elephant types using supporting details from the passage for | | | |support.” (IC11) | |Demonstrate |to explain or describe how something works or how to do |“Demonstrate your understanding of the term, ‘capricious,’ and | |...

Words: 2338 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Comparing The Red Badge Of Courage And An Episode Of War By Stephen Crane

...Crane’s Differences (The Analysis of Stephen Crane in the Red Badge of Courage and “An Episode of War”) Many people have noticed that Stephen Crane tends to ask questions in his writings but fails to answer them. This is guessed to be strategic, causing the readers to think deeper about the concept at hand. Or, in this case, to evaluate their own ideas about people’s behaviors, feelings and thoughts. Donald Vanouse commented, “Stephen Crane's works present sudden shifts in tone and point of view, and frequently the works end without establishing either certainty about characters or resolution of thematic issues.” Stephen Crane’s novel, The Red Badge of Courage and the short story, “An Episode of War” are two exceptional examples when assessing Crane’s tendency to vaguely describe things, causing one to assume and evaluate the event closer....

Words: 801 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Critically Evaluating the News

...Critically Evaluating the News It is important to make a critical evaluation of any news story. People shouldn’t believe everything they hear on the news because it is possible for a reporter to somehow get their information wrong because of someone that is not completely honest or not getting both sides of the story. Although I am sure news reporters try to make sure that they do have all of the correct information there is always that small chance that they don’t. There is also the possibility of maybe having a misprint in the news as well. I feel that the headline I chose “Obama presses Congress for deal to end spending cuts” is very clear and accurate because it goes into detail about what President Obama is trying to do and what can happen if they do not make a deal. It basically states the issue and the consequences of the issue if it is not resolved. I do not really think that there were any facts ignored in this article although I am not one hundred percent into politics and economics to be completely sure. I think that the story had a lot of alternative perspectives because the author mentioned that if a deal was not made Spetalnick (2013), “Thousands of Americans who serve their country would see their wages cut and hours reduced”. It also stated other things that may or will happen as well. The author does assume that there are no signs of negotiation (Spetalnick, 2013). It is very important to make distinctions when doing a critical...

Words: 430 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Rap Music Research Paper

...could and ones that make the most sense. Nowadays, that is not the case, it has evolved to fit different personalities and styles. From glorifying a life of crime, to whining about how bad your life is, to striving to be as succesfull as you can be and the best person you can be. This is what the rap game has come to. All of which has real effects on the mentality. Depending on your life style will evaluate what you listen to. From J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are considered the story tellers, the ones who shine the light on being the best you can be and remind you that there are consequences for your actions. This is more of the "inspirational" rap....

Words: 598 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Book Review: the Little Book That Still Beats the Marker

...relatable to people of all ages. Having such a complex topic being discussed in the most simple way possible makes it that much more intriguing to read through, especially that it touches on different techniques on how one could better manage and make their own money. He starts off with a simple story and continues on with many more of them. However, what makes it so difficult to put down this book is that these stories serve as simple analogies of what had before seemed like a complex idea in the finance world. Not only do these stories make it more entertaining and easier to understand the basics of finance, but they are also very informative, practical and relatable. In addition to these series of funny and simple tales is the discussion of a heavy but gentle load of information that all build up to the revealing of the magic formula. This formula, as explained by Greenblatt, is one that has been repeatedly proven to beat the market thus, helping a number of people become better investors. There were many insights I was able to gain from reading this book. These insights were not only tips and lessons on how to perform better in the market, but more importantly, they have also taught me a thing or two about life in general. One of these includes that you neither have to do something big nor be a certain age to start making money of your own or making a difference to the world. Just like the sixth grader, Jason, you can start small and start as early now. This...

Words: 1161 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Filmmaking Analysis: an Art Form in Itself

...Filmmaking Analysis: An Art form in itself Robert Haskins ENG 225: Introduction to Films Hannah Judson 28 June 2010 Filmmaking Analysis: An Art form in itself The art of motion pictures have been compared to other forms of expression art, but what makes it unique is that other art forms are incorporated into motion pictures. Through moving pictures, a story can be told with fluidity and rhythm, like music. Much like a sculpture molds clay or stone into something beautiful; a filmmaker can show us their vision or perspective of a story. Motion pictures have a way of influencing us to change the world, make us laugh and make us cry. This powerful medium has altered our world and has helped shape our culture. Analysis and evaluation is only natural, as humans will always strive to understand why this form of art has made such a lasting impact. To use the techniques to analyze a film, one must first familiarize themselves with the literary elements. By recognizing what the theme is in a motion picture, it becomes easier to see the filmmaker’s intention to the motion picture. Soundtrack and musical score also has the ability to add texture and depth to the experience of watching motion pictures. Just as we place symbolic meaning to other forms of expression, we do the same for motion pictures. Each of us have a different perspective in viewing motion pictures just as no one can see the same piece of art the same way. The style and the way characters are presented...

Words: 2247 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

On the Rainy River

...On the Rainy River” is an exploration of the role of shame in war. The story develops the theme of embarrassment as a motivating factor, first introduced by Jimmy Cross in “The Things They Carried” and “Love.” Just as Jimmy Cross feels guilty about Ted Lavender’s death, O’Brien feels guilty about going to Vietnam against his principles. He questions his own motives, and in this story he returns to the genesis of his decision in order to examine with us the specifics of cause and effect. Ironically, despite its specific details and its preoccupation with reality, “On the Rainy River” is the story most easily identifiable as fiction. The real Tim O’Brien did indeed struggle with his decision to heed his draft notice, but he never actually ran to the Canadian border, and he never stayed at the Tip Top Lodge. Still, as he states explicitly later in the work, the point of a story like this one is not to deliver true facts exactly as they happened but rather to use facts and details in order to give an accurate account of the feelings behind a given situation. Though the events in the story are not true, the story itself conveys an emotional truth. By describing his personal history, O’Brien makes a broader comment on the confusion that soldiers experienced when the demands of their country and community conflicted with the demands of their princples and conscience. O’Brien’s description of his moral dilemma about going to Vietnam illustrates how the war was fought by soldiers...

Words: 762 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Albydaveatud@Yahoo.Com

...Project in MANAGEMENT Submitted by: Mary Lean T. Pagtanac Submitted to: Mr. Dante V. Arinez Course: BSBA-HRDM-3rd Year STEP 1: DISCOVERING YOURSELF * Interest, Values, Skills Interest is she want to know the techniques how to be good Writer because she enjoying to create a short story. Values is always ask myself why people sometimes hate each other so much that they get to the point of taking someone’s life. To take someone’s life because you don’t like him or her, denounces the Whole aspect of why we live. The skills is having a talent to create a short story and give Advice other people about business. * Personality Preferences, Strengths Personality preferences is always doing and trying to create a Best story that match to the other professional writer did. It makes feel happy if I done with some short story. Strengths is you self consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa. You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purposed and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the large scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you. * Career Interest It will challenge you to improve your skills, learning and gaining more knowledge for the successful of your career. Always giving mentally exercises for you not to waste your time. * Three College Major That...

Words: 975 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Test

...认为。 I was deeply persuaded by the film. First of all, this film tells a true; a totally different story from the environment which I am living. I was moved by the story by many ways, women's helpless, corruption of the society and children's fate. Child’s fate is main point filmmakers want to deliver audiences in the story. From the background, women project children’s future who are living in Calcutta's Red Light area. The story is not just talking about women’s suffering, children's suffering is the most important thing the director want to deliver I think. Secondly, Directors’ angle of the story is the most important reason why this movie persuades me. According whole film, a strong contrast can tell which is based on the children’s dream lives and real lives. 不生硬的在影片中加入旁白、采访、对话,导演而是作为一个演员,或者更准确来说作为真实生活在孩子们当中的人,引导事件发展。导演没有直接拉开摄像机与孩子们的距离,简单的背景介绍并没有给人一种采访的感觉,反而像是人物在对话一样真实自然。而孩子们照片的介绍,更不是简单生切,导演用流畅的镜头运动展现了照片的含义,从局部细节到照片全景,从左边角落的人物的脸到右面拥挤的街道,孩子的照片就是生活的一部分,不夸张不造作,就是生活。 Directors don’t put narratages, interviews, and dialogues optionally. The directors were acting as guides during the film; they were more precisely act real people among the children’s lives. They were guiding whole film. Directors were not directly put any distance between the camera and children. A simple background description doesn't give people a feeling like interview, but it is true and nature thing which likes characters’ dialogues. And the children photos, more is not a simple cut, director with smooth...

Words: 1072 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Whatever

...PERSONALITY EVALUATION CRITERIA AND TECHNIQUES Introduction 1. Personality is something that we informally evaluate and describe every day. When we talk about ourselves and others, we frequently refer to different characteristics of an individual's personality. Psychologists do the same thing when they evaluate personality, but on a much more systematic and scientific level. Personality testing refers to those techniques that are used accurately and consistently to measure personality. 2. Humans are precious asset for any organization. Recruitment and selection is costly effort in terms of money and time. Personality of employees effects their roles and responsibilities in the organization. The personality pattern has great influence on their work attitude. Evaluations of personality provide a measure of how an individual works with his colleagues, how he approaches towards tasks and change, how he communicates and how he deals with pressures. Differences between people in their behavior and mental approach make them more or less effective in different jobs. For instance, an outgoing person will tend to be more successful in a job that requires frequent interaction with other people. On the other hand, a less outgoing person tends to be more successful in a job that primarily involves independent work. Almost, all organization uses personality evaluations to match an individual’s skills to the job requirements or to find an organization fit person. Such evaluations identified...

Words: 3980 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Inspirational Communication

...Ben Sexton Cheongmi Shim Interpersonal Communication October 19, 2011 Good and Bad I. Introduction If I had to choose two people who I communicate with the most and know me the best, it is a simple decision. My mother, Karen Sexton, and one of my best friends Cody Woods are two people who I communicate an extreme amount with and are able to really know the strengths and weaknesses of myself. Communication is something that we all take part in every day whether its through voice, facial expressions, hand gestures or symbols, and even pure silence. The level of communication we are at is different from person to person. The purpose of this paper is to find out our level of what we succeed at and what we could use some work on. II. Summary of Interaction The interviewees I have chosen are my mother Karen Sexton and a close friend of mine Cody Woods. My mother I have known for twenty-two years and has been the closest person in my family to me. Cody is a friend I met at college and have known for three years now. Both are extremely close with me and are important to my everyday life so they are obviously two people who I communicate with a lot. The meeting with my mother took place over the phone with her because she is back at home. It was during the evening this past weekend around 9 pm on Sunday. The interview was very laid back and easily initiated. The interview with Cody was completed at my house in the living room and was also a very laid back situation...

Words: 1320 - Pages: 6