In "The Things They Carried," O'Brien writes that "Men killed, and died, because they were embarrassed not to" (21). Find three characters from the assigned stories and explain how their actions, attitudes, and beliefs reflect O'Brien's point of view in regards to such issues as masculinity, cowardice and courage. What are your conclusions regarding the issues O’Brien raises? Use plenty of examples from the stories to support your point.

m and Explanation:

Tim O’Brien was said to be at the centre of the novel, as both ‘Tim O’Brien the Narrator,’ and ‘Tim O’Brien the Character.’ As the novel was written through both the happening truth, and his perception, the story truth, we as readers were able to get a strong sense of what it meant to be in war, as well as an understanding of issues such as masculinity, cowardice, and courage.

Therefore In the novel, Tim O’Brien blurred the line between cowardice and courage, even though the difference between the two is quite significant. Courage, as described in the book, is a man’s ability to overcome his fears, and is something which every man must learn. Cowardice, on the other hand, is the lack of bravery, something which men must use their courage to overcome.In the chapter ‘The Things They Carried’, O’Brien writes, “Men killed, and died because they were embarrassed not to’’ (21).