1. Post Apocalyptic Essay

2. Prompt
How do authors’ use of particular literary elements in post-apocalyptic fiction communicate a common truth about life? After reading/viewing "By the Waters of Babylon" by Stephen Vincent Benet and other post-apocalyptic literature or film, write an essay that addresses the question and analyzes similarities between the elements used to communicate a common theme found in the story and in other pieces of post-apocalyptic literature or film, providing examples to clarify your analysis. A bibliography is required.

3. What are literary elements?
Characters
Conflict
Setting
Figurative Language/Imagery
Diction
Point of View
You must pick three to discuss in your essay!

4. Sources Options: “By the Waters of Babylon” Fahrenheit 451 I am Legend
You must use three sources for your paper!
Options:
“By the Waters of Babylon”
Fahrenheit 451
I am Legend
Independent Reading Book *Accl.

5. Thesis Statement Your thesis statement is the map to your essay.
The points mentioned in your thesis statement are going to be topics you cover in your paper.
Ex: If you mentioned imagery in your thesis statement, you will provide information examples of imagery in your paper.
If “imagery” is not mentioned in your thesis, you will not include this topic in your paper.

6. Thesis Model
In “By the Waters of Babylon,” (Your choice)___________, and (Your choice)___________, the authors use ________(1st element), _________(2nd element), and_________(3rd element) to communicate____(universal idea/theme)___.

7. Example Thesis
In “By the Waters of Babylon” and Ender’s Game, the authors use settings, characters, and conflict to communicate that the line between good and evil is blurred in perilous situations, reflecting human beings’ true nature to lash out until they feel comfortable in a situation.

8. Introduction
Hook: An interesting quote, a related anecdote, a vivid image, or a question that introduces the audience to the major theme. This should be very general and no mention of the texts or films should show up here. (1-3 sentences)
Brief description of post-apocalyptic genre and the texts/films to be analyzed. (2-4 sentences).
Thesis Statement (1 sentence)

9. Body Paragraphs (3)
Topic Sentence for Literary Element: This sentence should state the literary element and the common theme it communicates.
Specific example from text (Include pg #s and author’s last name!)
Explanation of how this example contributes to the common theme.
Wrap Up Sentence

10. Conclusion
Rephrase your thesis statement and summarize main points (This may take multiple sentences).
Clincher: This may be an inspiring quote, a memorable image, or a related anecdote.
Leave your reader with something profound or insightful to think about.