The Things They Carried

Sweeheart of the song Tra Bong

What’s is the purpose of O’Brien telling us what makes a true war story? How does this affect the “truth” you take from the other stories?

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

As a writer, O'Brien explains that his fiction is based on the idea that "story-truth is truer sometimes than happening-truth." Fiction allows O'Brien to explore various versions of the truth. Fiction allows O'Brien the artistic licence to explore the truth in greater and more vivid detail.

GradeSaver will pay $15 for your literature essays
GradeSaver will pay $25 for your college application essays
GradeSaver will pay $50 for your graduate school essays – Law, Business, or Medical
GradeSaver will pay $10 for your Community Note contributions
GradeSaver will pay $500 for your Textbook Answer contributions