17. The Things They Carried: In the Field~Flashback

Throughout this book, O'Brien includes many flashbacks. This flashback has special significance. It is an account that explains to the reader that its such an important story, that there is a need to regress. Similarly, in this chapter, the lieutenant finds the need to regress and retrieve the body of their fallen soldier. This flashback reveals a lot about the characters as well. They have changed throughout the course of the book. Although they may laugh and joke to hide their true feelings, they are still dedicated to helping their fellow buddies. They will stop at nothing to help out those who they've come to know and love.