What does weight represent literally and figuratively in Tim O Briens The Things They Carried?

Body Paragraph 1: First argument and use quotes and example to support the argument.

Body Paragraph 2: Second argument using quotes and example to support argument.

Body Paragraph 3: Third argument and include quotes and example to support argument.

Conclusion: Summarize all three arguments and explain why it shows that weight in this story varies each soldier’s responsibility and status in the platoon. Explain literally first then figuratively. State the thesis again to conclude the arguments, no new ideas would be contributed here so it won’t confuse readers.

Body Paragraph:

Tim O’ Brien had different definitions for lighter and heavier objects. In the story, he created a character for each soldier by using lighter pistols to describe those who were more timid and petite size whilst he used heavy machine guns to describe “a big man”. For example, “As a big man, therefore a machine gunner, Henry Dobbins carried the M-60, which weighed twenty-three pounds unloaded, but which was almost always loaded. In addition, Dobbins carried between ten and fifteen pounds of ammunition draped in belts across is chest and shoulders.” while an average size like Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried “a .45-calliber pistol that weighed 2.9 pounds” only. Tim O’ Brien was very straight forward when he mentioned the weight of the twenty-three pound machine gun that Henry Dobbins was carrying, there was a strong as a matter of fact tone in his words when he said “as a big man”, it was almost like he delivered to the readers lines and lines of statements.  This method of writing has an effective tone because all these statements reflect the setting of the war, completely blunt and bold, hence, showing the amount of responsibility each soldier’s has.