The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

All writers have a purpose for writing the words that they write. What motivates a writer to write what he or she writes?

Writers invite their readers inside the worlds that they create, and PERSUADE their readers to use their imaginations as they engage with the text.  We began exploring how authors use CHARACTERIZATION to make characters and the setting of a story come alive for the reader. Writers hope that as readers, we will inhabit the worlds that they create for us. Sometimes we do not even want to put a book down because we become so attached to living in the world of Middle Earth, or wherever we've spent our time.

What motivates a writer to write what he or she writes? We introduced the idea that yes, even FICTION writers often take positions.  

 Writers of fiction texts make arguments.


Why did Ray Bradbury write the short story, "The Pedestrian"? What is his argument? Why are there so many images that elicit a sense of death and doom? Why is it so unusual in this world to simply go for a walk? 


As readers, it serves us well to read and re-read text, so that we can collect details and make inferences in our effort to determine the author's PURPOSE and ARGUMENT.

You can watch an interesting animated version of Bradbury's short story below.

I encourage you to re-read "The Pedestrian" in your textbook (see p. 642), read Ellen Goodman's essay "Primal Screen" on p. 640-1, and "The Veldt," also by Ray Bradbury (challenge High Honors practice/homework). 

• What is Bradbury's position? 
• What evidence can you find of characterization that relates to the author's approach? 
• How do YOU feel about our reliance upon television and modern technology?

Please post or e-mail your comments.