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Individualism is dangerous according to Lt. Cross in O'Brien's short story, "The Things They Carried". When describing the objects, he strategically places them in 3 categories: G.I stuff, Personal and Ghosts. The symbolism behind each of these embodies the entire story and explains the concept of war. Under the G.I stuff are guns, helmets, radios et cetra, which in turn weigh the most and no one complains. The personal, humanizing items are the small, light things they carry to connect them with the memories, or "ghosts". This is what makes a human being; a reliance on memory, emotions and conscience yet this is what kills Lavender. It is constantly repeated that Lavender has been shot dead, and Lt. Cross comes to realize that it's the "burden of being alive" that leads to an ultimate downfall. He burns his love letters from home because he realizes memories and hopes of going home are not what's going to save a man when surrounded by faceless enemies; in fact, all your faith must be placed on the heavy things they carry: the weapons and machinery. Naturalism comes into play when describing the efforts the men take to hide fear and embarrassment; all very natural, human emotions. The soldiers are forced to act in ways contrary to human nature because the symbolism the items hold point to the truth and base matter of the story: To become less human is the only way to survive at war.

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