The consequences and effects of war can be psychological, physical or emotional. It can directly affect, for example, a soldier or indirectly, for example, his relatives and friends. “The Things They Carried” and “The Red Convertible” examine these questions. “The Things They Carried examines the psychological, physical or emotional side of the destruction caused by the Vietnam War. While “The Red Convertible” focuses on the psychological strain that soldiers and their families have to endure after the war. These stories raise the question of whether war is really necessary and whether a soldier can return to service. Both stories are initiation stories or coming-of-age stories. These aspects are more effective when analyzing these works. The pieces can delve deeper into the issues and questions at hand. Centering on characterization, point of view, symbolism or imagery, and the meaning of the title all help to support the theme of these works and develop thoughts and opinions on story issues. In “The Things They Carried” the point of view manipulates the reader by a limited third person. Two not being able to provide all the details of the events or other characters' point of view on the events. On the other hand, the narrator does a good job providing some insights into the other characters' thoughts. The narrator also provides many details about the events that occur. Even though the narrator gives the reader a lot of information about the piece, there should be other characters to get a total understanding of the entire story. Other characters may have more information about the events in the piece. With insight it can also help give the reader more to think about the story and concerns within the story. For the reason that it is this... middle of paper ......and it hurts the soldiers but kills their spirits. War hurts families and ruins lives. Both stories showed how the boys found themselves in terrible situations dealing with the war. Both stories were insightful into the harsh realities of war. They give the reader an insight into the war. The pieces are full of imagery and symbolism. I recommend it to all readers. He has a true message in both works. Works Cited Erdich, Louise “The Red Convertible” 1984. Schalfel and Ridl 126 – 133. Schakel, Pete and Jack Ridl. Eds. Approach to reading literature + thinking + writing. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/ St Martin, 2011. Sprint.O Brian, Tim “The Things They Carry” 1986. Schakel. Puzzles. 493- 506 Korb,Rena “The things they carried”. Short stories for students. Detriot: Gale, 2002. Literature Resource Center. Network. October 2. 2014