Question

In "The Things They Carried" towards the end of the chapter, what is the symbolism that O'Brien

uses when he mentions a plane taking off and a big sleek sliver bird? "...but it was more than a
plane, it was a real bird, a big sleek silver bird..."
a) A bird has wings so it takes the burden off the soldiers.
b) A plane symbolizes their journey back to America
c) It is a feeling of traveling so fast that the soldiers can't see straight.
d) A silver bird is a precious bird that should be saved, much like the soldiers

Answer 1

The symbolism of the 'big sleek silver bird' in 'The Things They Carried' reflects the soldiers' desire for a return to safety in America, embodying freedom and hope amid the Vietnam War.

Step-by-step explanation:

In “The Things They Carried” by Tim O'Brien, the symbolism of the big sleek silver bird relates to the soldiers' experience and longing during the Vietnam War. When O'Brien mentions a plane taking off and refers to it as a 'big sleek silver bird,' the author uses this imagery to represent what the plane symbolizes. Option (b) A plane symbolizes their journey back to America is most fitting here, connoting the soldiers' deep yearning for escape and return to the safety and comfort of their homeland. This 'big sleek silver bird' is not just any aircraft; it is symbolic of freedom, hope, and the chance for a new life away from the horrors of war. This interpretation aligns with the themes of escape and the emotional burdens carried by soldiers, as the plane (or bird) offers the possibility of lifting these burdens, soaring above and carrying them back to the normalcy and peace of their former lives.