How do authors’ use of particular literary
elements in post-apocalyptic fiction communicate
a common truth about life? After
reading/viewing "By the Waters of Babylon" by
Stephen Vincent Benet and other post-apocalyptic
literature or film, write an essay that addresses the
question and analyzes similarities between the
elements used to communicate a common theme
found in the story and in other pieces of postapocalyptic literature or film, providing examples
to clarify your analysis. A bibliography is
required.
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Characters
Conflict
Setting
Figurative Language/Imagery
Diction
Point of View
You must pick three to discuss in your essay!
You must use three sources for your paper!
Options:
 “By the Waters of Babylon”
 Fahrenheit 451
 I am Legend
 Independent Reading Book *Accl.
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Your thesis statement is the map to your essay.
The points mentioned in your thesis statement
are going to be topics you cover in your paper.
Ex: If you mentioned imagery in your thesis
statement, you will provide information
examples of imagery in your paper.
If “imagery” is not mentioned in your thesis, you
will not include this topic in your paper.
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In “By the Waters of Babylon,” (Your
choice)___________, and (Your
choice)___________, the authors use
________(1st element), _________(2nd
element), and_________(3rd element) to
communicate____(universal idea/theme)___.
In “By the Waters of Babylon” and
Ender’s Game, the authors use settings,
characters, and conflict to communicate
that the line between good and evil is
blurred in perilous situations, reflecting
human beings’ true nature to lash out until
they feel comfortable in a situation.
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Hook: An interesting quote, a related anecdote,
a vivid image, or a question that introduces the
audience to the major theme. This should be
very general and no mention of the texts or
films should show up here. (1-3 sentences)
Brief description of post-apocalyptic genre and
the texts/films to be analyzed. (2-4 sentences).
Thesis Statement (1 sentence)
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Topic Sentence for Literary Element: This sentence should state the
literary element and the common theme it communicates.
Specific example from text (Include pg #s and author’s last name!)
Explanation of how this example contributes to the common theme.
Specific example from text (Include pg #s and author’s last name!)
Explanation of how this example contributes to the common theme.
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Specific example from text (Include pg #s and author’s last name!)
Explanation of how this example contributes to the common theme.
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Wrap Up Sentence
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Rephrase your thesis statement and
summarize main points (This may take
multiple sentences).
Clincher: This may be an inspiring quote, a
memorable image, or a related anecdote.
Leave your reader with something profound
or insightful to think about.