What did you learn from the first paragraph and why is it good?
Questions for
“August, 2026: There Will Come Soft Rains”
by Ray Bradbury
Read my comments below before you read the questions for Bradbury’s story.
“As Mark Twain has said, ‘The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.’ As a result of our biological development and our mind, we have the capacity for speech as well as the capability for being able to read and write; however, 32 million Americans are illiterate, 14% of the population. Some of this has to do with neglect, lack of practice, and the silly notion that it is not important to read. Even people who can read, do not take advantage of their ability. How well we speak, write, and think categorizes us into those who want their freedom and independence, and those who are waiting to be controlled by others. The reason for reading is to avoid slavery, avoid the rise of demagogues. The more and better you read, the more you can prepare yourself for your future of freedom and democracy.
professor comment: Essays and short stories give us information that is invaluable as we confront the challenges of life. No one writes without attempting to instruct, entertain, or provide learned wisdom. Each author that you read needs to be embraced and analyzed so that you can understand her or his point of view, insights, observations, or critical interpretations. With this in mind, explore the language and the structure of these revealing writings that have been offered to you to expand your mind, your thinking, and your critical faculties. It is only through effort that you can acquire the mental acuity essential for this rapidly changing world.”
Questions:
- What did you learn from the first paragraph and why is it good?
- What do you think of this house? And would you want to live in it?
- The house is a metaphor. What is it attempting to suggest?
- Why is the Sara Teasdale poem included? Explain.
- What do you think of Bradbury’s ending?
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