The Things They Carried Mid-way Quiz

The word "tangible" refers to something that can be perceived by touch or is capable of being physically touched or felt. It implies that the object or concept has a physical presence and can be experienced through the sense of touch.

The soldiers always carried their knapsack, also known as a rucksack. A rucksack is a type of backpack or bag that is commonly used by soldiers to carry their personal belongings, supplies, and equipment. It is a durable and spacious bag that is designed to be worn on the back, allowing soldiers to easily transport their essentials while keeping their hands free for other tasks. The term "rucksack" is often used interchangeably with "knapsack" to refer to this type of bag.

A fortified boundary that protects the troops is called the perimeter. This term refers to the outer edge or boundary of an area that is fortified or secured. In the context of military operations, the perimeter is a crucial element in defending troops and ensuring their safety. It acts as a physical barrier that helps to deter and repel potential threats, providing a secure area for the troops within. By fortifying the perimeter, troops can establish a defensive line and control access to the protected area, enhancing their overall security and defense capabilities.

Jimmy Cross was in love with Martha. This can be inferred from the book "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, where it is mentioned that Jimmy Cross carried letters and photographs of Martha. He constantly thought about her and fantasized about a future with her, even though their relationship was not romantic or reciprocated. The weight of his love for Martha and the guilt he felt for being distracted by it is a recurring theme in the book.

Tim O'Brien worked at a meatpacking plant prior to joining the military. This suggests that he had a job in the meatpacking industry before deciding to enlist.

After Ted Lavender's death, Jimmy decided to burn Martha's letters. This action can be seen as a symbolic gesture of letting go of his attachment to Martha and the memories associated with her. By burning the letters, Jimmy is trying to move on from the past and focus on the present. It could also be interpreted as a way for him to cope with the loss of his friend by distancing himself from any reminders of Martha.

Curt Lemon fainted at the dentist's office. This suggests that he may have had a fear or anxiety about dental procedures, causing him to have a physical reaction and lose consciousness.

Censure refers to a strong expression of disapproval. It is a formal way of criticizing or condemning someone or something for their actions or behavior. It is often used in a political or professional context to publicly express disapproval or reprimand someone for their misconduct or wrongdoing. Censure can be seen as a more severe form of criticism, carrying a sense of strong disapproval and reproach.

Rectitude refers to the quality or state of being morally correct or upright in principle or conduct. It implies adherence to ethical standards and a strong sense of integrity. Therefore, the term "rightness of principle or conduct" can be synonymous with rectitude. It signifies a person's commitment to doing what is morally right and just, making decisions based on ethical considerations, and acting with honesty and fairness.

In 1975, Vietnam reunited under a system of government known as communism. Communism is a political ideology where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole. In a communist system, there is no private ownership and the government has centralized control over the economy and political power. This type of government was adopted by Vietnam following the end of the Vietnam War, as the Communist Party of Vietnam gained control over the entire country.

The US supported the South Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese were supported by the Soviet Union and China, while the Vietcong were a guerrilla force fighting alongside the North Vietnamese. The US provided military aid, troops, and financial support to the South Vietnamese government in an effort to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

Soldiers were commonly referred to as "grunts". This term originated during the Vietnam War and was used to describe infantry soldiers who were often assigned to the front lines and engaged in intense combat. The term "grunt" was derived from the sound that soldiers make while carrying heavy equipment and marching. It became a colloquial term to refer to any soldier, emphasizing their hard work and dedication in the field.

The US involvement in the Vietnam War escalated in 1965. This was the year when the US significantly increased its military presence in Vietnam by deploying combat troops. Prior to 1965, the US had been providing military advisors and assistance to South Vietnam, but it was in 1965 that the US made the decision to directly engage in combat operations. This escalation marked a turning point in the war and led to a substantial increase in US troops and resources being committed to the conflict.