the things they carried

Today and in times past, it is apparent that our culture has a strong attraction to war and violence. In the novel written by Tim O'Brien, The Things They Carried, there is a section entitled "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong." This section tells the tale of Mary Anne. Mary Anne epitomizes our culture's obsession with war. Mary Anne went to Vietnam with the simple intentions of visiting her boyfriend but was sucked into the …

…ight, Mary Anne's need to prove herself was very different reasoning. Her excessive, newly found need to do this may have been the main reason that this conquest resulted in the new form of Mary Anne that can only be described as a savage monster. Her inner need to shine in this violent setting clearly show that the trials and tribulations of Mary Anne should not be for future posters recruiting women to war.