In the novel, The Things They Carried, written by Tim O’Brien, many ideas are questioned. This powerful story poses many questions on war, storytelling, death, truth and memories. In this novel, Tim O’Brien redefines an author’s obligation to truth. The Things They Carried, by nature is a story of questioning. The common phrase, “Literature is the question minus the answer,” clearly demonstrates the themes of this novel. Early in the story we’re introduced to a character resembling the author, also named Tim O’Brien. Soon after he receives his draft letter, he flees to Canada. Here he is forced to face the reality of his fear of inadequacy and cowardice. In an interview with the author, we learn that he in fact never ran off to Canada.
