The Things They Carried Reading Notes

Practicing both timely and close reading are goals of this course. Notes not only help memory but also clarify thinking and are then invaluable for eventual writing (whether it is in class or on the AP exam). Therefore, for each text read outside of class a packet of notes is expected. For The Things They Carried, the notes for the section assigned are due on the day that section is assigned. The entire novel’s notes will be worth a test grade. In addition, you will be able to use only the notes on the in-class writings on the novel or subsections of it.

Schedule

  • Due Oct. 9/13“The Things They Carried” up to “The Dentist”
  • Due Oct. 16/19“The Dentist” up to “In the Field”
  • Due Oct. 28/29“In the Field” to the end of the novel
  • Due Oct 28/29All of the reading notes – typed or legibly handwritten (150 points summative)

As you read the text:

  • Keep a complete list of characters, with brief descriptions. (I recommend using the burdens chart for this.)
  • Write a brief summary for each chapter/story.
  • Note the setting for each chapter/story.
  • Track two motifs: one physical and one emotional. For each I expect a minimum of four quotes that depict that burden.
  • Physical burdens: Fill in the attached chart as you read the first story and then choose one physical burden to track throughout the novel.
  • Emotional Burden: Choose a one from the following list: morality, loneliness, friendship, love, responsibility, cowardice, shame, or fear. Track it throughout the novel.
  • Identify at least four times you believe the author used irony (with page number)

After you have finished the text, write about narrative voice and theme.

Be sure to support your observations with evidence from the test: quotations are best.

Narrative Voice: Answer the following on narrative voice.

  • What is it and how does it work? Is it reliable?Comment on the novel’s narrative structure. Is it chronological or is there some other unifying device?
  • Choose one paragraph for close examination of narrative voice. Analyze how it informs the scene and by extension, the novel.

Theme: In a one page journal, with quotations for support, consider one MEANING of the text. What is O’Brien’s purpose, point, or message. What are readers meant to learn from the events of the novel?

This CANNOT be done at the last minute. You must plan and create time to complete this assignment. These notes are to make you more thoughtful readers and to teach you an essential college level skill.

I expect you to do your own reading, writing and thinking. If you go to the web or any other source, please include a Works Consulted with your packet. Failure to do so is plagiarism and will be treated as such.