The Things They Carried (Cliffs Notes) [Paperback]

Jill Colella (Author)

Book Description

Series: Frommer's | Publication Date: December 28, 2000

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

In CliffsNotes on The Things They Carried, you discover Tim O'Brien's powerful and innovative novel about the experiences of foot soldiers during and after the Vietnam War. Drawing largely on his own experiences during the war, the author creates a fictional protagonist who shares the author's own name, and allows this fictional "Tim O'Brien" to relate disturbing war stories as he creates an indictment against the wastefulness of war.

Chapter summaries and commentaries take you through Tim O'Brien's very personal journey. Critical essays give you insight into the novel's historical context, the novel's narrative structure, and the theme of loss of innocence. Other features that help you study include

• Character analyses of the main characters
• A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
• A section on the life and background of Tim O'Brien
• A review section that tests your knowledge
• A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites

Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

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About the Author

Jill Colella earned a master's degree at the University of Maryland in English literature, specializing in Vietnam War narratives in film and literature. Ms. Colella, the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, founded The Children of Vietnam Combat Veterans Project in 1997 to speak to the specific concerns of families of veterans. She is the author of After Vietnam: War Stories from a Veteran's Daughter, a memoir of the effects her father's service in Vietnam had on her family life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes; 1 edition (December 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764586688
• ISBN-13: 978-0764586682
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.3 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > United States > History & Criticism
  • #65 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Education > Book Notes

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great study aid, February 20, 2002

By 

Rachel Blumenfeld (great neck, ny) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Things They Carried (Cliffs Notes) (Paperback)

Cliff's notes once again delivers as a fantastic study aid. By no means should you use this as a replacement for the book. O'Brien has emerged as one of the greatest modern writers on the subject of war, and it would be a pity to overlook his writing. But if you are looking for help to write a paper on the topic, or just curious to discover more about the underlying meaning of the novel, don't hesitate to buy Cliff's Notes.

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Insights, August 8, 2010

By 

Ronald A. Delorenzo (Cochran, Georgia) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Things They Carried (Cliffs Notes) (Paperback)

I read the book "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brian and the Cliff Notes. The Notes gave me more insight into the book, meanings of events that passed over my head when I read the book. I was happy with the experience.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Things They Carried -- Cliff Notes, July 17, 2010

By 

Donna M. Mcaleer "Direct Marketer" (The Woodlands, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Things They Carried (Cliffs Notes) (Paperback)

I really liked the definitions of vocabulary words at the end of each chapter summary. The character analyses were very helpful, plus the critical essays at the end.