Paedeia Discussion Seminar Questions-A Sound of Thunder

Literary Paedeia Discussion Questions: A Sound of Thunder

Task: Using only their knowledge of literary elements, and the story A Sound Of Thunder students will assemble in a circle and discuss the following discussion questions. During the discussion, students are expected to respond aloud to all each question in class and type individual responses before next meeting. DO NOT WRITE RESPONSES. (NOTE: a considerable point deduction will take place if this occurs.) Also, each response (objective or subjective) must be supported with textual information. Page numbers are required. Any response presented without a page number will be disregarded. During the discussion, the instructor will moderate, observe, and chime in occasionally.

Objective: Students should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of literary elements, and their ability to produce objective (factual or provable) responses and subjective (opinionated) responses. They will also be evaluated on their ability to make inferences and identify the main idea of specific passages, as well as their ability to participate in a group discussion.

Standards: ESL 1, 2, 3 Materials: Discussion questions, handout copy of A Sound Of Thunder, notebook paper, and literary discussion aids (i.e. handouts, notes, annotations, etc.), and pen/pencil.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

ICE BREAKER QUESTION: If time travel were actually possible, and affordable, where in history would you go? The past? The future? Why? Explain using specific details.

1. Point of view is always an important element in prose fiction. 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.

2. Through intelligent subjective reasoning, make specific inferences regarding the principle (i.e. protagonist and antagonist) characters in the story. Discuss their motivations, intentions, and possible faults. Be specific…support with text based information. After addressing this question, subjectively and objectively discuss what these characters have in common.

3. Symbolism is an important literary element for many reasons. In this story it is pervasive. Begin with a discussion of symbolism (don’t forget the symbols), and then provide literary and non-literary based examples. Then, explore many of the prevalent symbols found within the story. How does symbolism affect the plot of the story? What are the symbols (i.e. the time machine, the sign, etc.), but more importantly, what do they represent? Objective and subjective responses must be supported by textually based information.

4. Discuss the Bradbury’s use of imagery. Address specific passages that indicate the use of imagery. Answer the following questions: What is the significance of the imagery? What impact does the imagery have on you? Could the story have been effective without the use of imagery? NOTE: YOU MUST INCLUDE SPECIFIC PASSAGES…BE READY TO RESPOND WHEN CALLED TO ANSWER.

5. 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.

6. Conflict is an essential element in this story. First begin with a discussion of its importance to the story, then provide evidence of the significance of conflict in the story. Relate the conflicts to the characters in the story. Remember: include page reference.

7. Theme is often defined as the moral lesson that is presented within the plot of the story. It can often have an inspirational or educational value that transcends the page. What is the overall theme of this story? What lesson, if any is taught?

8. Main idea is defined as the author’s reason or purpose for writing the literary work. What is Ray Bradbury’s reason or purpose for writing A Sound of Thunder? You MUST be able to answer this question. This question will produce both objective and subjective responses, so more importantly; you must be able to SUPPORT it with textually based information. You must be able to pull specific passages from the story (with page numbers) to offer as evidence. This is a highly important question…mastery is essential to productive scholarship in this course.

9. What activities of today might be compared to Eckels’ accidental killing of the butterfly? Cite examples of small actions that may have big effects on the future.

Students must have this assignment ready to submit for checking on next class meeting date. In addition, students MUST type the questions as well as their responses.