What Was Lee Strunk Doing When Ted Lavender Was Shot?

In Tim O’Brien’s famous novel ‘The Things They Carried,’ the character of Ted Lavender’s death is a defining moment in the story. The tragic moment had far-reaching consequences for the soldiers that witnessed it and the ones that knew Ted. One of these soldiers was Lee Strunk, who was with Ted Lavender when he was shot. Lee Strunk’s actions during this fateful incident deserve closer examination.

Lee Strunk and Ted Lavender were part of the Alpha Company, who were deployed in Vietnam during the war. At the time of Ted’s death, Lee Strunk was with him, guarding the perimeter. Ted Lavender had been smoking marijuana before getting shot, which was a common practice among the soldiers to alleviate the stress of war. The suddenness of his death had a profound effect on Lee Strunk, and his actions during and after the incident were telling of his character.

Lee Strunk’s Actions

Lee tried to shake off the shock:

When Ted Lavender was shot, Lee Strunk’s first reaction was that of shock. He tried to shake it off and remain alert, but it was clear that the incident had affected him. O’Brien describes his facial expression as one of confusion, and he behaved as if he was in a daze. Lee attempted to collect himself and take control of the situation despite his shock.

Lee wanted to confess his guilt:

It is implied in the book that Lee Strunk was the one who stole a cut from his fellow soldier, Dave Jensen. This cut was believed to be responsible for any accidents that happened to the soldier who owned it. Lee Strunk took this cut and put it in his pocket, and it became a constant source of guilt for him. When Ted Lavender died, the weight of the guilt became too much for him, and he wanted to confess. However, he never could, and this burden remained with him until the end of the war.

Lee’s disappearance:

After Ted Lavender’s death, Lee Strunk disappeared from the Alpha Company for several days. This disappearance raised questions about Lee’s involvement, and whether he was fleeing due to his guilt or for other reasons. However, Lee eventually returned, and no one knew where he had gone or what he had done.

The Aftermath of Ted Lavender’s death

The death of Ted Lavender had a significant effect on the soldiers of the Alpha Company, and their feelings of loss and guilt were portrayed in different ways. Some soldiers tried to block it out and continue with the war; others reacted differently. Tim O’Brien uses Ted’s death as an opportunity to show how soldiers were affected by the constant stress, violence, and loss of life in the war.

In conclusion, Lee Strunk’s actions during Ted Lavender’s death are a defining moment in ‘The Things They Carried.’ His character is revealed through his shock, guilt, and disappearance, which contribute to the plot and characters’ development of the novel. Ted Lavender’s death leaves a profound effect on the soldiers and the reader, highlighting the price of warfare and its long-lasting impact on soldiers.

Related Products:

• What Was Ted Lavender Doing When He Died?
• When Did Ted Lavender Say The War Was Mellow?
• What Were The Soldiers Doing When Lavender Was Killed?
• When Did Ted Lavender Die In The Things They Carried?
• When Does Ted Lavender Die?
• When Does Lavender Die In The Things They Carried?
• When Did Ted Lavender Die?
• What Was On The Chain That Lavender Games Tehran?
• What Was The Lavender Menace?
• What Was The Lavender?

Last update 2023-06-07. Price and product availability may change.