Page 3 Analysis of Theme
Completion requirements
Page 3 Analysis of Theme
| Read either Barbara Haworth-Attard's short story "A Hero's Welcome" click here, or Ray Bradbury's science fiction story "The Veldt" on page 248 of SightLines 8. |
“I thought we were free to play as we wished.”
“You are, within reasonable bounds.”
Both short stories in this lesson like pop songs since the 1960s argue from the child’s point of view, but may reach different conclusions.
“You are, within reasonable bounds.”
Both short stories in this lesson like pop songs since the 1960s argue from the child’s point of view, but may reach different conclusions.
“A Hero’s Welcome”
“Us! I set the wood down on the porch and turned the idea over in my mind before speaking.”
“A Hero’s Welcome” depicts how each successive generation builds on the wisdom and knowledge of the previous generation. For example, advice handed down from previous generations has enabled scientists to discover more about the world. “If I’ve seen a little further, it’s by standing on the shoulders of giants” wrote Scientist Isaac Newton.
Thomas builds a relationship with his father, celebrating loyalty and the continuity between the generations. Together, he and his father are building a legacy for the future. They are honing their tools, expanding their home, and working together to give something to others. Thomas grows to respect his father’s accomplishments and together they own the land. This loyalty and ability of the generations to work together to progress is celebrated by music artists such as George Strait and The Winstons.
I got sent home from school one day with a shiner on my eye.
Fightin' was against the rules and it didn't matter why.
When dad got home I told that story just like I'd rehearsed.
And then stood there on those tremblin' knees and waited for the worst.
And he said, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us."
He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then.
It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen."
When I became a father in the spring of '81
There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my father's son.
And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end,
I took my daddy's secret and I passed it on to him.
Fightin' was against the rules and it didn't matter why.
When dad got home I told that story just like I'd rehearsed.
And then stood there on those tremblin' knees and waited for the worst.
And he said, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us."
He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then.
It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen."
When I became a father in the spring of '81
There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my father's son.
And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end,
I took my daddy's secret and I passed it on to him.
There's a man at my house he's so big and strong
He goes to work each day, stays all day long
He comes home each night looking tired and beat
He sits down at the dinner table and has a bite to eat
Never a frown always a smile
When he says to me how's my child
I've been studying hard all day in school
Tryin' to understand the golden rule
Think I'll color this man father
I think I'll color him love
Said I'm gonna color him father
I think I'll color the man love, yes I will
He says education is the thing if you wanna compete
Because without it son, life ain't very sweet
I love this man I don't know why
Except I'll need his strength till the day that I die
He goes to work each day, stays all day long
He comes home each night looking tired and beat
He sits down at the dinner table and has a bite to eat
Never a frown always a smile
When he says to me how's my child
I've been studying hard all day in school
Tryin' to understand the golden rule
Think I'll color this man father
I think I'll color him love
Said I'm gonna color him father
I think I'll color the man love, yes I will
He says education is the thing if you wanna compete
Because without it son, life ain't very sweet
I love this man I don't know why
Except I'll need his strength till the day that I die
“The Veldt”
“He turned to his father. ‘Oh, I hate you!…I wish you were dead’.”
Peter and Wendy, (a reference to Peter Pan) never grow up. They believe that one can only save the nursery (society) by attacking the boundaries of the previous generation. Their happiness is found in change, chaos, and revolution. This echoes song lyrics of pop culture such as, Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” or Gangsta rapper Tupac’s “And Tomorrow”.
Shatter every window till it's all blown away,
Every brick, every board, every slamming door blown away
Till there's nothing left standing,
Nothing left of yesterday
Every …. memory blown away, blown away
Every brick, every board, every slamming door blown away
Till there's nothing left standing,
Nothing left of yesterday
Every …. memory blown away, blown away
Today is filled with anger, fueled with hidden hate.
Scared of being outkast, afraid of common fate.
Today is build on tragedies which no one want's to face.
Nightmares to humanity and morally disgraced.
Tonight is filled with Rage, violence in the air.
Children bred with ruthlessness cause no one at home cares.
Scared of being outkast, afraid of common fate.
Today is build on tragedies which no one want's to face.
Nightmares to humanity and morally disgraced.
Tonight is filled with Rage, violence in the air.
Children bred with ruthlessness cause no one at home cares.
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Self-Assessment: "A Hero's Welcome" or "The Veldt" On the next page, read information that will help you complete either the Self-Assessment - Unit 4 - "A Hero's Welcome" or "The Veldt". |
Please contact your teacher if you have questions.