Ms.

Somerville
AP English 12
Digital/Verbal Visual Essay

“THERE WILL COME SOFT RAINS” BY RAY BRADBURY

Now that we have all read Bradbury’s short story that—quite
figuratively—illustrates the aftermath of a world that’s gone nuclear,
wiping out the human race, what does Bradbury want us to take away
from his story? What techniques does he apply to reinforce his theme?
We use literary devices in our writing to emphasize our meaning of
the text. Through which devices does Bradbury most effectively convey
the story’s underlying meaning?
For this assignment, you will create either a digital or a verbal visual
essay that portrays the short story’s literary devices which express the story’s
theme. You will justify and interpret your reasons for representing each
device the way that you did in a small paragraph. You will present your essays
to the class on the Friday before Spring Break.

IMPORTANT DATES:

FRIDAY, FRIDAY, FRIDAY,

MARCH 16:
Choose 5 literary
devices that you believe
portray the story’s
central idea & bring into
class a rough idea of
how you would like to
illustrate each device
MARCH 23:
We will meet in the
computer lab. Make sure
that you have access to
your rough draft so that
you can receive proper
feedback from your
peers
MARCH 30:
Now it is time for you to
hand in your final copy,
including your justifications
for each image. Either
email me a copy of your
digital/verbal visual essay
or hand it in before the end
of the school day. Small
presentations will be held today

Get creative with how you choose to This essay will be a part of your
illustrate this story & its literary multigenre writing portfolio that you
devices! But make sure you do a close submit at the end of the year, which
reading of the text counts for 25% of your final grade
RUBRIC:
Content: _____/25
[In-depth analysis of text, 5 literary devices are identified and interpreted, word choice is
effective, varied sentence structure, accurate application of mechanics]

Comments:
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Presentation: _____/15
[Visual is aesthetically pleasing and easy to follow, lay-out is easy to navigate; 5 literary
devices addressed, choice of visuals are clearly interpreted]

Comments:
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Your preparation for this essay is graded out of 15 points, 5 points for being prepared on
each important date.