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The Things They Carried

Tim O’Brien

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Table of Contents

Context

Plot Overview

Character List

Analysis of Major Characters

Themes, Motifs & Symbols

Summary & Analysis

“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”

“Speaking of Courage”

“The Lives of the Dead”

Important Quotations Explained

Key Facts

Study Questions & Essay Topics

Quiz

Suggestions for Further Reading

How to Cite This SparkNote

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