NAME____________________________________ LITERARY ANALYSIS SEMINAR: A Sound of Thunder (Bradbury) Pre-IB English I (2011-2012)/Knight TASK: Using your knowledge of prose

fiction terms and concepts, as well as the short story A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury, you will analyze and discuss the following analysis questions. During the discussion, you are expected to respond aloud to all each question and write individual responses on a sheet of paper. DO NOT WRITE RESPONSES ON THIS SHEET OF PAPER. (NOTE: a considerable point deduction will take place if this occurs.) STANDARDS: (READING PROCESS, LITERARY ANALYSIS) LA.910.1.7, LA.910.1.7.1, LA.910.1.7.2, LA.910.1.7.3, LA.910.1.7.6, LA.910.1.7.8, LA.910.2.1, LA.910.2.1.1, LA.910.2.1.2, LA.910.2.1.4, LA.910.2.1.5, LA.910.2.1.6, LA.910.2.1.8, LA.910.2.1.7, LA.910.6.2 (COMMUNICATION) LA.910.5.2.1, LA.910.5.2 (see Florida Standards Guide in notebook for specific definition of codes) MATERIALS: Discussion questions, an annotated copy of A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury, notebook paper for notes and responses, a dictionary, and literary discussion aids (i.e. handouts, notes, a list of prose fiction terms, etc.), and pen or pencil. PART I (DISCUSSION QUESTIONS) I have included these questions to help you think critically when discussing A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury. These questions and the responses are your own personal interpretations. Whether you agree or disagree, I hope they give you some direction in your own analysis.* IMPORTANT NOTE: All responses must be labeled with the number of the item. Your responses should be written in complete statements; meaning, I should be able to infer the question by simply reading your answer. Your responses to these questions must reflect the ASSERTION/EVIDENCE/COMMENTARY format of analysis.
*NOTE: These are DISCUSSION questions. Therefore, there MUST be a considerable amount of DISCUSSION. No explanation or elaboration of your answer will result in the loss of points. You must have fully discussed the question before moving to the next question. ALL RESPONSES MUST BE SUPPORTED.

GROUP # _______ 0. 1.

ASSIGNED & SELECTED QUESTIONS: __________________________________________

Analyze the title of the text. Explain and support with evidence. Discuss the point of view. What role does point of view play in this story? Could a different point of view have affected the way in which the reader understood the plot? Discuss specific possible alternatives. Characterize the central characters (use character notes). Discuss their motivations, intentions, and possible faults. Discuss their relationship to the plot and themes of the story. Discuss Bradburys use of irony (and paradox) throughout the story. Bradbury uses foreshadowing, or clues suggesting possible action, throughout the story to move the plot along. Indicate the specific examples of foreshadowing that Bradbury uses in the story. How do these episodes help the struggle? Use examples from text to support. Discuss conflict as it relates to the story; discuss its importance, then provide evidence of its significance in the story. Relate the conflicts to the characters in the story. Discuss Bradburys use of imagery. Address specific passages that indicate the use of imagery.

2.

3. 4.

5.

6.

Answer the following questions: What is the significance of the imagery as it relates to the story? What impact does the imagery have on the reader? Could the story have been effective without the extensive use of imagery? 7. Discuss mood and suspense. How does Bradbury increase the readers feeling of mood and suspense during the journey through the jungle? Why does he do this? Discuss Bradburys use of metaphor (and its various types if applicable). Identify the tenor and vehicle and discuss its significance to the story. Use examples to support. Discuss the symbolism used in the text (dont forget to identify the symbols). Discuss how symbolism affects the plot of the story? Discuss the symbols, but more importantly, discuss what they represent. Discuss theme as it relates to this story. What is the overall theme of this story? What lesson, if any is taught? Is Ray Bradbury an anti-technology advocate? Does his story suggest that he may be saying something about mankinds inventions and innovations? Come up with several analogies that might be comparable to Eckels accidental killing of the butterfly? Cite examples of small actions that may have big effects on the future.

8.

9.

10. 11.

12.

DISCUSSION SEMINAR RULES: Students must follow these rules during the seminar: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. You must be respectful of each other. You must listen to what others have to say. You must take turns speaking without interrupting each other. You must feel comfortable expressing your opinions without concern for the reactions of others. All opinions are valuable; no opinions are stupid. No one will compromise the integrity of the discussion by being insincere. You will not engage in distracting or irrelevant behavior (sleeping, appearing off-task, not engaged, etc.) You will maintain an interest in the discussion. The facilitator DOES NOT participate (unless absolutely necessary). You must take notes. (see rubric under PARTICIPATION)