Unit 1: Part 1: “A Sound of Thunder”

C. Sanders English Presentation

Unit 1: “The Challenge of Change”

l Unit 1 discusses “The Challenge of Change,” in which people, places, relationships, and societies change over time.

l Unit 1: Part 1 delves into “The Price of Progress”- the effects of technological progress on characters in a number of settings.

Science Fiction l  Science Fiction uses science and technology to

present an extraordinarily unusual, but believable plot. Science Fiction is usually set in the future and discusses the effects of technology on human advancement.

l  Ray Bradbury, a fantasy and science fiction

author, writes about the future, outer space, and the desires for advancement within the human heart.

Independent Activity l  Journal Entry

l What is your definition of fear? How does fear prevent progress? Describe a time in your life when you were fearful and it kept you from excelling in academics, sports, an adventure, etc.

l Be prepared to share your answer.

Literary Analysis l  Foreshadowing – a character’s unusual

statements or strong warnings that hint to what will happen later in the story.

l  Theme – the universal message or truth within a literary piece. Theme is what the work says about the subject. Furthermore, a work's theme must connect to people outside the work.

“A Sound of Thunder”

l  In “A Sound of Thunder,” Bradbury explores the ideas of technological advances through time travel.

l He inserts the element of suspense which

is excitement or tension that helps build the plot.

Elements of Plot l  Exposition

l  Rising Action

l  Provides background information on the characters and setting.

l  The part of the plot in

which the conflict is introduced.

Elements of Plot l  Climax

l  Falling Action

l  The turning point of the action where the conflict reaches its peak. This is the highest point of the reader’s interest.

l  The action that takes place after the conflict- a resolution is made or introduced.

Group Activity- Charting

l With your group, explain the difference and similarities between fear and suspense.

l Then using the chart provided for you, indicate the events in the story where you saw the main character display fear and the suspenseful parts of the plot.

Discussion Questions l  At what points in the plot did the characters hear “a

sound of thunder”? What is similar about the times the “sounds of thunder” were heard?

l  Are you disturbed by the outcome? Why?

l  What is the significance of Bradbury having the time travelers venture through 1492, 1776, 1812? Are there historical implications that the reader is supposed to make regarding the outcome of the story?

l  What is the theme of the story based on the subjects of

fear and technology?

Literary Interpretation Prompt l  In your opinion, what theme, or message

is Bradbury conveying throughout the story?

l Answer the prompt. l Cite examples from the text to support

your answer. l Explain the examples through ideas

presented by the author and make a connection to contemporary society.