Discuss the role guilt and shame play in the lives of the soldiers depicted by O’Brien. Cite specific (and numerous) instances that show the results of these characteristics.
In Tim Obrien’s “The Things They Carried” several behaviors function as devices designed to avoid shame and/or guilt. Characters continually find themselves in situations where their performance is a response designed to minimize the obtaining of these emotions or the pain felt by them once obtained. Therefore, action is frequently inspired by the emotional burdens that guilt or shame present.
Once category of behaviors inspired by guilt and shame in The Things They Carried includes adherence to societal expectations. Prior to witnessing war first-hand the author nearly decided to escape the draft because of negative emotions toward it. He experiences conflict within himself on this point though because the choice in avoiding the draft counter the expectations of his home community and family. As he reflected he stated, “What it came down to, stupidly, was a sense of shame. Hot, stupid shame. I did not want people to think badly of me.” (pg 49 On the Rainy River) (sigfig is this contributes …show more content…
In the chapter “The Dentist” Curt Lemon fails to look brave in the face of his personal fears in front of his fellow soldiers. The author describes him saying, “He wouldn’t talk to anyone.” And “Now and then we could here him cussing, bawling himself out.” (pg 84 the dentist) (signifigance is that this contributes to staying in the war) Lemon went on to resolve the distorted image of himself causing guilt by ordering the doctor to remove a perfectly good tooth. In the absence of real bravery the guilt and shame of failing expectations actually becomes an important substitution for the soldiers to continue performing, as unhealthy as it