10. The Things They Carried: Stockings~Symbol

The stockings in this chapter are a symbol. They symbolize life, luck, love and magic. Although I do find it odd that the soldier wore them around his neck in every battle, I understand it. The stockings give this soldier the emotions he needs to keep fighting. He practically has his girl with him in every battle for protection, inspiration and motivation. They are his good luck charm. They symbolize the desire of all the men to be with the one's they love. They cannot simply go off to war and leave all their memories at home. They need something tangible to hold on to that represents a greater meaning.