2. Semi-Truths

To an incoming 1102 student who has to read The Things They Carried, I would say to not let the word "truth" even enter your brain until the middle of the book. However, even when you do start thinking about it, don't ponder it. Just accept the truths in the book for what they are: Semi-truths. Some aspects of the book may be real, others may feel completely real, yet aren't. If you focus too much of your attention on what things are true and what things aren't, you will lose sight of what the author is trying to convey. Pay special attention to the emotional-truth hiding between the lines of every story told.