Prompt 2: The Culture of Soldiers
One the most present aspects in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried is centered around the disconnect between the cultures of soldiers and civilians. Presented through the characters of Martha and Lieutenant Cross, O’Brien manages to express the disconnect through the Cross’ thoughts and feelings toward Martha and examines the case of soldier and civilian culture and identities being almost diametrically opposed to one another.
When discussing soldiers work of literature, which I noticed in class, many discuss the differing viewpoints of interpretations between the perspective of war between soldiers and civilians, much like in Warring Memories, or actually more specifically those who experience specific trauma and those who view it from the outside, such as in Silence. In O’Brien’s work, Cross is is forced to experience the trauma and brutality of war which is inflicted upon him, and by him, physically and emotionally. Martha and his memories and feelings of her tie him to his civilian life and role. He thinks of her constantly and questions her letters and feelings in the midst of the War. It is not until after fellow soldier Ted Lavender does he sever his connection to Martha, or as I interpret it, his civilian culture and life. …show more content…
Many fellow soldiers carry items which serve as anchors and reminders of their civilian lives, such as a girlfriend's pantyhose and Cross’ pebble. Martha writes to Cross that the pebble was meant to signify the connection between where the sea met land and in a more symbolic sense where soldier met civilian. It is not until after Lavender's death does Cross attempts to throw it away, which could symbolize cutting himself away the life and emotions of a civilian as he almost feels as if it's holding him