This story, “The Things They Carried” is told by an unnamed narrator. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross is the person whose story we are told in third person.  Each soldier is introduced by name and also by the tangible things they carry with them. The narrator lists all the tangible things that the soldiers carry such as, hygiene supplies, weapons, food, water etc. Each detail given about what they carry is selected carefully to be later explained in the story. By listing what each individual soldier carries with them it gives the reader insight on the personality of each Soldier. For example, Dave Jensen carries “a toothbrush, dental floss and several hotel-size bars of soap” because he practices field hygiene. We’re also told Henry Dobbins carries extra food rations because he is a big man. We get many examples of the intangible things they carry and why. The narrator also explains that each soldier carries intangible things with them as well. They carry “shameful memories,” “emotional baggage,” pain, fear, desire, along with pride and dignity. So often they see their brothers suffer and die without having the time to really react to the situation or time to properly grief. Though they were trained to fight alongside one another, no one is ever prepared for the horrors of war. As trained soldiers they’re expected to be tough and keep moving after the many tragedies they will face. The truth is they’re scared. As the narrator points out, while they are under attack they lay there wondering if they will be next, promising that they will become better parents as though that might save them from dying. They hold anger towards the soldiers who injure themselves to be able to return home. The interesting part is they are also envious of them. They found a way to escape the environment they’re in. Throughout this time, Lt. Cross is in love with this woman named Martha, obsessed even. He knows she is not in love with him and she never will be. Still, she’s his main focus. He carries around her letters, pebble she sent him and he pictures. In a way, his escape is all the time he imagines spending with her. He makes up scenarios in his head of them together. This distracts Lt. Cross and when Lavender dies, he blames himself for being distracted for not being the best leader to the team he’s fighting beside. Once he realizes the damage he’s done while being busy fantasizing about Martha, he burns her letters and pictures. He then becomes present in the moment. He promises that he won’t be so lax with his soldiers. That even though they may not like it, he’s going to be a strict leader to prevent another tragedy because of his inability to focus on his leadership. Lt. Cross will now always carry the guilt with him. This story teaches us that there is so much more to war than what civilians can physically see. These soldiers carry emotional baggage. They carry the heavy burden of the horror that is war.