SparkNotes

Literature Study Guides

The Things They Carried

Tim O’Brien

Context

Plot Overview

Character List

Analysis of Major Characters

Themes, Motifs & Symbols

“The Things They Carried”

“Love”

“Spin”

“On the Rainy River”

“Enemies” & “Friends”

“How to Tell a True War Story”

“The Dentist”

“Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong”

“Stockings”

“Church”

“The Man I Killed”

“Ambush”

“Style”

“Speaking of Courage”

“Notes”

“In the Field”

“Good Form”

“Field Trip”

“The Ghost Soldiers”

“Night Life”

“The Lives of the Dead”

Important Quotations Explained

Key Facts

Study Questions & Essay Topics

Quiz

Suggestions for Further Reading

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