Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" presents the central idea that amongst society, it is normal to react to atypical situations in an atypical way. Jimmy Cross, O'Brien's protagonist, was developed to exemplify this atypical reaction. Cross allows the reader to believe and appreciate "the things they carried" as well as creating an extended metaphor. O'Brien begins his work describing the care that Lieutenant Cross has for the letters he carries from a girl named …showed first 75 words of 869 total…

…showed last 75 words of 869 total…give his memories up. The things they carry are metaphors for something greater. For this reason, there is constant inner conflict. After O'Brien wrote the book, he was quoted as saying, "You want my opinion, there's a definite moral here." The absurdity of the situation is presented by the way, in which they attempt to lighten their loads. The struggle is ironic in this setting because of the internal quality of war that is discussed.