A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury Class notes

Introduction and understanding What does the word diction mean? The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing What is meant by figurative language? Figurative languages uses tools such as simile and metaphors to describe something But there are others that need to be included...

Simile Uses the words “like” or “as” to compare one object or idea with another to suggest they are alike. Example: busy as a bee

Metaphor The metaphor states a fact or draws a verbal picture by the use of comparison. A simile would say you are like something; a metaphor is more positive - it says you are something. Example: You are what you eat.

Personification A figure of speech in which human characteristics are given to an animal or an object. Example: My teddy bear gave me a hug.

Alliteration The repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words. Alliteration includes tongue twisters. Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.

Onomatopoeia The use of a word to describe or imitate a natural sound or the sound made by an object or an action. Example: snap crackle pop

Hyperbole An exaggeration that is so dramatic that no one would believe the statement is true. Tall tales are hyperboles. Example: He was so hungry, he ate that whole cornfield for lunch, stalks and all.

Clichés  A cliché is an expression that has been used so often that it has become trite and sometimes boring. Example: Many hands make light work. Reference: http://languagearts.mrdonn.org/figurative.html

Team Quiz Lets test your figurative language knowledge...

True or False An example of a simile is: "I really do like ice Cream” 1 pt False "The fog crept on little cat feet" is an example of a metaphor. 1pt True This is the giving of human qualities to non-human things. 2pts • hyperbole • personification • simile • idiom • onomatopoeia Answer personification

"Her hair is as shiny as ebony" is an example of a metaphor "Her hair is as shiny as ebony" is an example of a metaphor. 1pt False An example of alliteration is: "Silently, softly the swans swam on the lake.“ 1pt True Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the Beginning of words 1pt Personification is the name given to the term which describes giving non-living entities the qualities of a living thing. 1pt Onomatopoeia is word that sounds like what it means 1pt Personification is when you make a strong exaggeration. 1pt

A,B,C or D? 1. I was so hungry that I even ate the plate. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence? 2pts A) hyperbole B) metaphor C) personification D) simile Answer: A 2. My father was the sun and the moon to me. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence? A) metaphor B) simile C) hyperbole D) personification

3. The rain seemed like an old friend who had finally found us 3. The rain seemed like an old friend who had finally found us. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence? 2pts A) onomatopoeia B) metaphor C) personification D) simile Answer: D 4. "Smash", when the cup fell off the table. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence? 2pts A) personification B) metaphor C) onomatopoeia D) hyperbole Answer: C 5. He was a library of information about baseball. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence? 2pts A) metaphor B) personification C) simile D) hyperbole Answer: A

Re-read lines 17-35, and underline examples of figurative language. Make a bet on how many your team has found

Giving examples describe the tone up to page 224 (4 pts) 2. How does the author create suspense (give examples 4pts)

“Why, why,” Eckels twitched his mouth “Why, why,” Eckels twitched his mouth. “It could reach up and grab the moon.” What type of figurative language is this? 1pt Answer: hyperbole On page 231 identify a areas that you found particularly interesting. Why did they stand out? Give examples of figurative language used on page 232

Discuss in groups Discuss this statement: “It couldn’t change things. Killing one butterfly couldn’t be that important! Could it?” What are your thoughts on this?

1. Which passage from the story contains a figure of speech 1. Which passage from the story contains a figure of speech? A “Stay on the Path.” B “They were ready to leave the Machine.” C “That'd be a paradox.” D “Each lower leg was a piston . . .” Answer: D metaphor 2. In this story, Bradbury's diction, or word choice, can best be described as — F flat G vivid H everyday J technical Answer: G

3. Overall, Bradbury's style can best be described as — A humorous B matter-of-fact C sparse D richly descriptive Answer: D 4. Which of the following words best describes the mood of “A Sound of Thunder”? F relaxed G quiet H terrifying J evil Answer: H

Your thoughts What did you think of the story? What did you like? What did you dislike? How well did you think the author used figurative language? Is there anything you would have changed?