This document provides background information on author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and defines two literary terms: inference and theme. Vonnegut was an American writer known for satirical works and science fiction. He fought in World War II and his mother committed suicide. The document explains that an inference is a conclusion drawn from clues and background knowledge, while a theme is the central idea or statement made about a subject in a full sentence, differing from the single-word subject. It stresses themes and subjects can have multiple interpretations.
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0 ratings0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2K views13 pages
Harrison Bergeron Pre-Reading For Students
This document provides background information on author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and defines two literary terms: inference and theme. Vonnegut was an American writer known for satirical works and science fiction. He fought in World War II and his mother committed suicide. The document explains that an inference is a conclusion drawn from clues and background knowledge, while a theme is the central idea or statement made about a subject in a full sentence, differing from the single-word subject. It stresses themes and subjects can have multiple interpretations.
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13
Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Pre-Reading Preparation: Building Background & Author Study
Literary Terms - Inference & Theme
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Who is Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.?
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922 to GermanAmerican parents Joined the army and fought in World War II, taken as a P.O.W., also earned a Purple Heart Well educated. Attended Cornell University and majored in chemistry; University of Chicago and earned an advanced degree in anthropology. Wrote for several newspapers. On Mothers Day in 1944, his mother committed suicide with sleeping pills. He later attempted suicide in 1985. He became a strong proponent of assisted suicide. Well respected writer, famous for his edgy writing style, wicked sense of humor, and satirical works about various governments and systems of thought. Best-known works include Slaughterhouse - Five, Cats Cradle, and The Sirens of Titan - *science ction* Many of Vonneguts books are on the Banned Books list - must read!! Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Follow him! @Kurt_Vonnegut
Literary Term #1: Inference
An Observation is what you see...An Inference is what you gure out... You make an inference when you combine clues from the text with your own background knowledge or from other parts of the text in order to draw conclusions. You must be able to support your inference and there can be more than one correct answer. Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Literary Term #2: Theme
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Literary Term #2: Theme
Theme is very different from the subject.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Literary Term #2: Theme
Theme is very different from the subject. The SUBJECT is the broad topic or category for a piece of literature. Usually expressed in a single word or short phrase. Example: This is a story about tradition.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Literary Term #2: Theme
Theme is very different from the subject. The SUBJECT is the broad topic or category for a piece of literature. Usually expressed in a single word or short phrase. Example: This is a story about tradition. THEME is the central idea, concern, or purpose in a literary work. It is the BIG statement that a piece of literature makes about a particular subject. Must be stated in a full sentence. Example: Tradition plays a positive role in society. / Tradition is a damaging and distorting force.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Literary Term #2: Theme
Theme is very different from the subject. The SUBJECT is the broad topic or category for a piece of literature. Usually expressed in a single word or short phrase. Example: This is a story about tradition. THEME is the central idea, concern, or purpose in a literary work. It is the BIG statement that a piece of literature makes about a particular subject. Must be stated in a full sentence. Example: Tradition plays a positive role in society. / Tradition is a damaging and distorting force. Works can have MANY subjects and themes and BOTH are open to interpretation. Wednesday, September 7, 2011