The Things They Carried

Ambush

Why does Tim "beat himself up" over the young man's death?

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

O’Brien briefly relives the night in My Khe. He had been on watch after midnight. He saw the young man emerging from the mist, carrying a gun. He grabbed a grenade and threw it without really thinking. Right after he threw the grenade, he felt guilty. But it was too late. The grenade dealt a fatal blow. And, twenty years later, O’Brien is still living with the guilt.

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-things-they-carried/study-guide/summary-the-man-i-killed-ambush-and-style