Tim O’Brien’s story, The Things They Carried is realistic on his demonstration of military life on the battlefield and across missions. Soldiers do not only carry war gadget from guns and ammunition to steel jackets and radio calls, but they also carry personal belongings through which they can relate to when they are away from home. Letters, Bible or hunting gadgets from a family member refresh their memories of home and something worth living or dying for. They do not forsake their belongings even at the time of death they die carrying them.

Even though some people lost their lives in the story, Tim’s narration is well illustrated bringing out the theme of love in the times of death and hope in times of despair. Lieutenant Cross is the center of focus in building the theme of love. Cross’ love for Martha has made him question a lot of events that happen during the mission. Cross is not even certain whether Martha loves him or not. Cross’ story and love letters break the boredom in the narration.

From the title of the story, the narrator gives the reader a quest to determine what things were carried by what people and the impact the things they carried has on their lives or the activity they are doing. Other titles such as War is Hell does not fit in this context even if the story is about war. Besides, the title generalizes the adverse effects of war but from the given title, The Things They Carried, the narrator can maneuver from one theme to the other easily without basing his arguments on one theme such as a death in the line of duty or losing loved one in the battlefield.