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 ptFalse"The fog crept on little cat feet" is an example of a metaphor.

1ptTrueThis is the giving of human qualities to non-human things. 2pts• hyperbole• personification• simile• idiom• onomatopoeiaAnswer personification

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

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? 2ptsA) hyperboleB) metaphorC) personificationD) simile

Answer: A2. My father was the sun and the moon to me. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence?

A) metaphorB) simileC) hyperboleD) personification

Answer: A

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) onomatopoeiaB) metaphorC) personificationD) simile

Answer: D4. "Smash", when the cup fell off the table. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence? 2pts

A) personificationB) metaphorC) onomatopoeiaD) hyperbole

Answer: C5. He was a library of information about baseball. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence? 2pts

A) metaphorB) personificationC) simileD) hyperbole

Answer: A

Re-read lines 17-35, andunderline examples offigurative language.

Make a bet on how many your team has found

1. 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. “It could reach up and grab the moon.”

What type of figurative language is this? 1ptAnswer: 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?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 flatG vividH everydayJ technicalAnswer: G

3. Overall, Bradbury's style can best be described as —A humorousB matter-of-factC sparseD richly descriptiveAnswer: D

4. Which of the following words best describes the mood of “A Sound of Thunder”?

F relaxedG quietH terrifyingJ evilAnswer: 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?