The Things They Carried By Tim O'Brien - Character Baggage

Mr. Grosskreuz/Mr. Richards – English 3C

Name: ____________________________________

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

Period: ______ Date: _______________________

Character Baggage – ANSWER KEY

Directions: Along with your group, use the page numbers to research your assigned soldier(s) by identifying the things he carries. Put all physical

items in the “Physical Baggage” column. Put all emotions, ideas, or feelings he carries in the “Mental Baggage” column.

Character

Physical Baggage

Mental Baggage

letters from Martha wrapped in plastic (1), a canteen (1), a

“his love for Martha” (3-4); “the responsibility for the lives of his

rucksack (1), two photographs of Martha – a Kodacolor

men” (5); “a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they

Jimmy Cross

snapshot signed Love and the volleyball action shot from

carried” (7); “they all carried ghosts” (10); guilt/shame over Ted

his 1968 yearbook (4), a compass (5), maps (5), code books

Lavender’s death (16); anger/blame/disgust with himself for being

First Lieutenant

(5), binoculars (5), a .45-caliber pistol (5), a strobe light (5),

distracted by loving Martha (16)

(pp 1-5, 8, 13, 16)

a pebble from the Jersey shore, sent by Martha (8),

entrenching tool (16)

extra rations – canned peaches in heavy syrup over pound

“a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried” (7);

cake (2), an M-60 machine gun (5), 10-15 pounds of

“they all carried ghosts” (10); superstition – the pantyhose is a

Henry Dobbins

ammunition draped in belts across his chest and shoulders

lucky charm to keep him safe; the pantyhose also show his desire

(5), his girlfriend’s pantyhose wrapped around his neck

to make physical contact with his girlfriend because he misses her;

Machine Gunner

(10), a tropical chocolate bar (11), Black Flag insecticide

the extra rations show he’s afraid of going hungry

(pp 2, 5, 10, 14-15, 21)

(14)

a toothbrush (2), dental floss (2), several hotel-sized bars

“a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried” (7);

of soap (2), three pairs of socks (3), a can of Dr. Scholl’s

“they all carried ghosts” (10); need to stay clean/feeling human;

Dave Jensen

foot powder (3), night-sight vitamins high in carotene (9),

superstition – the rabbit’s foot is a good-luck charm; the sandbags

earplugs (10), a rabbit’s foot (13), empty sandbags that

show his fear of being ambushed and being vulnerable; he is

PFC – Private First-Class

can be filled at night for extra protection (14)

concerned about protecting his health and his life

(pp 2-4, 9-10, 13-15, 21)

tranquilizers (2), 6-7 ounces of premium dope (3), 34

fear of dying; “a silent awe for the terrible power of the things

rounds of ammunition for an M-79 grenade launcher

they carried” (7); “they all carried ghosts” (10); extreme anxiety

Ted Lavender

equaling 20 pounds (6), a canteen (6), toilet paper (6), a

that requires him to self-medicate to numb the fear

flak jacket (6), a helmet (6), the starlight scope

PFC – Private First-Class

(pp 2-3, 6, 9, 14-15, 21)

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The Things They Carried By Tim O'Brien - Character Baggage - Answer Key

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