Introductory Paragraph
Hook: Grab the reader’s attention with an interesting statement (in your own words) about the general topic of the story.
Your hook should NOT be in the form of a question.
1 sentence
Background: TAG the story (state the title, author, and genre); give a brief background statement. 2-3 sentences.
Do NOT summarize the whole story.
Example: In “STORY TITLE” by AUTHOR NAME,….
2 sentences
Thesis Statement: Your thesis will make a statement about what you are examining and how it REVEALS MEANING in the literary work.
(The theme is the overall message of the story that the author wants the reader to know.)
Example: AUTHOR LAST NAME uses characterization and conflict to present the theme of…..
1 sentences
Body Paragraphs (Claim Evidence)
Please write in complete sentences.
Body Paragraph 1- Characterization
Claim/ Topic Sentence on
Characterization: What type of characterization does the author use?
HINT: Direct Characterization: TELLS the reader what the character is like through description.
HINT: Indirect Characterization: SHOWS the reader what the character is like through action, dialogue, & thoughts.
Video on characterization
1 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows characterization in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Direct quote from the story
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the character’s traits and the type of characterization used in the story.
2 sentences
Body Paragraph 2- Conflict
Claim/Topic Sentence on Conflict: What type of conflict does the author use?
HINT: Man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, man vs. self? Is the conflict internal or external?
1 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows the conflict in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Direct quote from the story
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the type of conflict used in the story.
2 sentences
Body Paragraph 3- Theme
Claim/Topic Sentence on Theme: What is one possible theme of the story?
HINT: The theme is the overall message of the story that the author wants to convey to the reader.
1 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows the theme in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Direct quote from the story
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote shows the theme in the story.
2 sentences
Conclusion
Restate (reword) your thesis: Explain how the author uses characterization and conflict to present the theme.
Do NOT copy and paste the same thesis that is in your introduction.
1 sentences
Final Thought: How does this theme connect or relate to our real-world lives in the present day?
Do NOT use first or second person pronouns like “I” or “you.”
2 sentences
in the story “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury
In "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury, the genre is science fiction. The story takes place in the future where time travel is possible, and a group of hunters go back in time to hunt dinosaurs. However, their actions have unexpected consequences that impact the present.
Ray Bradbury uses characterization and conflict to present the theme of the story.
In terms of characterization, Bradbury primarily uses indirect characterization to show the traits of the characters. For example, when describing the main character, Eckels, the narrator says, "Eckels remained standing, his mouth open" (Bradbury 3). This quote reveals Eckels' shocked and stunned reaction to the events that unfold, demonstrating his fear and inability to comprehend the consequences of his actions.
In terms of conflict, the main conflict in the story is man versus nature. The hunters go back in time to hunt dinosaurs, but the killing of one particular animal disrupts the balance of nature and alters the future. As Eckels realizes the implications of their actions, he exclaims, "We didn't mean it!... Christ!... We didn't mean it!... We didn't mean it! You fools, don't you see what will happen?" (Bradbury 7). This quote highlights the conflict between the characters and the natural world, as they are both responsible for the disruption and destruction caused by their actions.
One possible theme of the story is the butterfly effect, which suggests that even the smallest actions can have far-reaching consequences. A quote that supports this theme is when Eckels realizes the severity of their actions and says, "Not a little thing like that! Not a butterfly!" (Bradbury 8). This quote shows how a seemingly insignificant action, like stepping on a butterfly, can have a profound impact on the future.
The theme of the butterfly effect in "A Sound of Thunder" connects to our real-world lives in the present day by reminding us of the importance of our choices and actions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of disregarding the delicate balance of the natural world. Just like in the story, our actions today can have far-reaching effects on future generations, emphasizing the need for environmental conservation and responsible decision-making.