Pgs: 1-18

The books title seems very appropriate so far I think that the narrator, Tim O'Brien, takes a very realistic stance when he considers the things they carried. I think it is more realistic because not only does he consider the physical weight which seems to be a very practical way of looking at the physical strain involved in carrying such objects, but he also takes in their sentimental or perhaps life saving characteristics. This comparison contrasts the weight of items versus their usefulness for instance when he talks about the rain ponchos he says, “ With its quilted liner,the poncho weighed almost 2 pounds, but it was worth every ounce.” (Pg. 3)

In this Chapter I noticed a very “text book” [METAPHOR]. “. . .the eyes chilly and somber like the ocean in March. . .” (Pg. 8) This metaphor is effective because it aids in the narrators description of Lieutenant Jimmy Cross and his extreme preoccupation with the girl whom he loves. He uses this very detailed comparison to show just how much of Cross's time is spent thinking about this girl. He says “the ocean in March” but it is also important to remember that this is not spring break in Florida; he's talking about the ocean in New Jersey which is still cold and somewhat desolate in March.