Question 7: The Things They Carried

I think Smiley could have used the term “de-gender” with the intention of carrying a couple of different meanings. It seems Smiley is implying that O’Brien included female characters to show that war doesn’t only affect those directly involved in it. It is mentioned more than once in the story that Martha’s letters never actually discuss the war itself, and only reference it when saying, “Jimmy, take care of yourself.” Obviously, it has affected her because she never discusses it directly. Also, I think Smiley could be referencing how the characters are shown as being very human. Sometimes they hide their true feelings, while at other times there are direct displays of feelings of guilt, sadness, anger, loss, betrayal, frustration, longing, love, and happiness. I think the stereotypical soldier at war is depicted as being stoic and unaffected. O’Brien brought to life the human side of war, thereby (as Smiley stated) re-defining American masculinity.