SU The Things They Carried Reflection Essay

he author of our short story this week, Tim O’Brien, once said the following:

“A good piece of fiction, in my view, does not offer solutions. Good stories deal with our moral struggles, our uncertainties, our dreams, our blunders, our contradictions, our endless quest for understanding. Good stories do not resolve the mysteries of the human spirit but rather describe and expand upon those mysteries.”

In your opinion, what makes a good story, and why? Even if “The Things They Carried” is not your cup of tea or a story you would ever read on your own, explain why it can be considered a “good” story. Reflect on the following questions as you develop your answer:

-Discuss how O’Brien’s piece helps create awareness of human experience and, and what those experiences are. 

-How do the events the characters experience shape who they are?

-What are qualities of fiction about war, beyond that it discusses war?