The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien: Impressions from the First Chapter

     From the start of the first few pages it is clear that repetition will play a key part in the novel. Specifically, the repetition of things being carried and their respective burdens will hold special meaning in the book. It also appears that flashbacks and foreshadowing will be mixed in and probably also repeated given the reappearances of the time when the soldier got shot in the head. Flashbacks and foreshadowing will probably be used to develop the plot and theme, which appears to have something to do with people having to deal with various problems. A soldier has to carry things that other people do not, so the context will also almost certainly shaped in accordance with such a distinction in mind. The novel does not appear to be overly political as it takes no clear side on way or the other but rather tells the stories of the soldiers as a narrative, utilizing devices such as symbolism in order to convey certain aspects of the soldiers' stories and personalities. Although the ultimate point is not yet evident, it should become more plain as the novel progresses. As more of the soldiers and their experiences are detailed,  specific nature of the message should become apparent to readers.