Tim O'Brien Post #2

The main focus in “The Things They Carried” were unrequited love. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross was unquestionably in love with a girl named Martha. He spent most of his life wishing that she would love him as much as he loved her. Jimmy often found himself thinking about Martha rather than the task at hand. Being a Lieutenant he was responsible for his platoon and they needed nothing less than his undivided attention. The story goes on to tell of all the things that they carried. They carry necessities, things for survival and things they need for the current mission. Depending upon rank and field of specialty, you carried things pertaining to that specific duty. On a psychological level they carry emotions including shame, guilt, doubt, pressure, embarrassment, and pain. The story goes on to tell that one of Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’ men was shot and killed while on a mission. Jimmy blamed himself because all he could focus on was Martha. This was the turning point in Jimmy’s life during the war. He felt so much guilt for the death, he decided to let go of Martha. Releasing Martha from his mind, not his heart, he decided to put all his focus into becoming a better Lieutenant. Jimmy Cross was absolutely obsessed with Martha, not being able to go a minute without her crossing his mind. His obsession took its toll on him and his men, even though they didn’t know it. O’Brien closes with “…his obligation was not to be loved, but to lead”(pg. 26). It was nice to finally see Cross realize his priorities and be the leader that he needed to be.