the Scythe

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 4

The Scythe 

This LessonUp will guide you step by step through "the Scythe"  by Ray Bradbury.

After working through this lesson up you should have read the story and analysed it so that you can fill in the presentation format of this story in Google Classroom.

The Scythe 

Aims of this LessonUp.

After working your way through this lesson you should:

• be able to give information about the characters, the plot and the setting of the story
• be able to explain how the setting/ historical context influences the story
• explain which historical events are woven through the story 
• Be able to explain what allegories, metaphors, foreshadowing and irony are and give examples of these literary devices from the Scythe.
• be able to explain how the themes duty, keeping promises and fear of death influence the Scythe.

• While and after reading, write and mark anything that strikes you.
• Write down your general impression or feeling you get from the story. 
• Headsup for step 1: pay attention to the setting: highlight anything that gives away when and where the story takes place

Step 0 Read the story in 1 go.

• Scan for information on 
• Characters (who) 
• Plot (what happens in this story?) 
• Setting (when and where does the story take place?)
• Highlight all you can find and take notes that you can use for your presentation.and where the story takes place
• 
  

Step 1 Read again

• Scan for information on 
• Characters (who) 
• Plot (what happens in this story?) 
• Setting (when and where does the story take place?)
• Highlight all you can find and take notes that you can use for your presentation.and where the story takes place
• 
  

Step 1 Read again: who what where and when 

• Highlight all you can find and take notes that you can use for your presentation.and where the story takes place
• 
  

Step 1 Read again: who what where and when 

When does the story take place?

1. 1830
2. 1904
3. 1938
4. 1984

Where does the story take place?

1. In a city in Europe
2. In New York
3. In the countryside of England
4. In a rural southern part of the US.

What was going on in the US in the 30s?

1. the Great War
2. the Great Depression
3. the Second World War
4. the Corona Crisis

What do you know about 

The Great Depression? 

Answer the following questions to find out what you already know 

A worldwide economic crisis starting in America and taking place during the 1930s (1930-1936), following the economic prosperity of the 1920s. 

The crash of the stock market in 1929 is usually referred to as the inciting incident.

5. What effect did the Great Depression NOT have on the lives of ordinary Americans?

1. They lost their jobs
2. They lost their savings
3. They had to pay more taxes
4. It caused extreme poverty

6. How did the Great Depression NOT change American society?

1. People lost hope in the Americain dream
2. Resulted in subsidizing pensions and aids
3. Government became protector of well-being
4. The government gained more influence

7. What was the Dust Bowl?

A period of drought and dust storms; because of the farming practices in the Midwest and lack of rain the land dried out and harvest was minimal. 

The dry soil was easily picked up by the wind, causing clouds and storms of dust. 

8. What effect did the Dust Bowl have on the lives of farmers?

1. Their animals died
2. No rain = hardly any harvest
3. They left towards the West
4. They became sick

9. How did the events of Great Depression and the Dust Bowl challenge the concept of the American Dream?

1. Working hard wasn't enough anymore
2. People needed help from the government
3. People lost their jobs = can't work hard
4. People lost their homes = no safe place/dream

• Setting: now you know where and when the story takes place and what the historical context explains, write down how this event plays an important role in the Sythe, so that you can use this informationfor your presentation.
• 
  

Step 1 Read again: who what where and when 

• Setting: now you know where and when the story takes place and what the historical context explains, write down how this event plays an important role in the Scythe, so that you can use this information for your presentation.

Step 1 Read again 

Allegory

Definition:

Example in the Scythe :

Foreshadowing 

Definition:

Example in the Scythe :

 

Step 2 Close Reading : Literary Devices 

Metaphor

Definition:

Example in the Scythe :

Irony

Definition: 

Example in the Scythe :

Find out:

Of course you can google for information about the literary devices. 

Put your answers in the Scythe Presentation format in Google Classroom

• Duty
  
• Keeping Promises
  
• Fear of Death

In your Presentation format describe what role these themes play in the story.

Give examples to support your ideas. 

Step 3 Big Pictures: Themes

Complete your Scythe Presentation Format

The End! 

people can not buy things

stores do not order from factories

factories do not get orders

people lose their jobs

stores go out of business