The Weapon

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

The Weapon

Literature

You will read the text in groups

While reading think of the following:
Describe Graham. (paragraph 1)

What is wrong with Harry (paragraph 2)

Describe Niemand (paragraph 3)

How come Graham knows that Niemand knows what is wrong with Harry (paragraphs 3/4)

What is the ultimate weapon? (paragraph 5)

Why would Niemand suddenly want a drink (paragraph 6)

What could have happened in Harry's bedroom? (paragraph 7)

After you finished reading, answer the questions in your group.

Let's continue

By answering the questions

The Weapon is about a scientist, but it is not science fiction. Explain why.

Class discussion

Answer:

It is not set in the future or unrealistic. It's in the real world.

Why do you think Fredric Brown wrote this story?

Class discussion

Answer:

To warn people about the dangers of nuclear weapons
(the ultimate weapon)

What is the main idea or theme of this story?

Answer:

Danger can only be seen when it's close to home.

4. What does the gun symbolise in the story?

Answer:

the ultimate weapon / nuclear weapons

What does the author 'idiot' and the 'madman' to symbolise?

Class discussion

Answer:

idiot = the people (humanity)

madman = dr. Graham

What is the effect of the last sentence on the reader?

Class discussion

Answer:

• It creates a plot twist.

How does this sentence relate to Niemand's reason for visiting?

Class discussion

Answer:

• Niemand wanted to send a message.

How does this style of presentation affect the reader's response?

Class discussion

Answer

• It creates a kind of shock
  
• The reader isn't expecting something like that to happen

Why the loaded revolver?

Answer

• To explain how dangerous weapons can be in the wrong hands

What is ironic about this story?

Class discussion

Answer

• Graham knows what is said in question 8, but doesn't care.
• He does start caring when it affects him and his family.

Fill in the grid

Work in groups

The grid:

• Plot: Dr Graham, who is building a nuclear weapon is visited by a man called Niemand. Niemand gives a loaded gun to Graham’s son, who is underdeveloped. Graham, is shocked that somebody would do that.
  
  
  
• Characters: Graham, Niemand and Harry
  
  
  
• Setting: Graham’s home in the early evening
  
  
  
• Point of view: third person
  
  
  
• Theme: danger can only be seen when it’s close to home

I think I understand this poem well enough for the test.

Yes

No

Continue

If you have answered yes, focus on your week task.

If you have answered no, please let me know what you do not understand (yet).