"There Will Come Soft Rains" is a short story by science fiction author Ray Bradbury, first published in 1950. It tells the tale of a futuristic, automated house that continues to function long after its human occupants have been destroyed in a nuclear war. The story is notable for its use of personification, as the house and its various systems are described as if they were sentient beings.
One of the most famous quotes from the story is the opening line: "The morning of August 4, 2026, was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day." This sets the stage for the events that unfold, as the house goes about its daily routine, unaware that its inhabitants are no longer alive.
Another memorable quote from the story is: "The house stood alone in a city of rubble and ashes. This was the one house left standing." This passage highlights the devastation that has occurred as a result of the nuclear war, and the contrast between the house's pristine condition and the ruined city around it.
A third quote that is particularly notable is: "The trees were green. The grass was green. The streets were quiet." This passage serves to further contrast the house's normal functioning with the chaos and destruction that have taken place outside its walls. The trees and grass continue to grow, while the streets are silent, suggesting that there is no longer any human activity in the area.
In conclusion, "There Will Come Soft Rains" is a thought-provoking short story that uses personification and vivid imagery to explore themes of technology, survival, and the dangers of nuclear war. Its memorable quotes serve to enhance the story's themes and add to its overall impact on the reader.
Introduction
- Attention-getter: Statistics showing that a significant portion of couples now live together before marriage
- Thesis: While living together before marriage has become a common and socially accepted practice, it is actually not the best choice for couples and can actually harm their chances of having a successful marriage.
Body I. The benefits of living together before marriage are often overstated
- Point: Couples may believe that living together before marriage will help them save money on rent and other expenses, but studies have shown that this is not always the case.
- Counterpoint: Some studies have even shown that couples who live together before marriage actually have higher living expenses than those who do not.
- Point: Couples may also believe that living together before marriage will allow them to get to know each other better and ensure compatibility, but this is not always the case.
- Counterpoint: Research has shown that couples who live together before marriage are actually more likely to experience conflicts and less likely to have a happy and successful marriage.
II. Living together before marriage can have negative effects on a couple's relationship
- Point: One negative effect of living together before marriage is that it can lead to a lack of commitment in the relationship.
- Counterpoint: When couples live together without the commitment of marriage, they may become complacent and may not feel the need to work on their relationship as much as they would if they were married.
- Point: Another negative effect of living together before marriage is that it can lead to a lack of respect for the institution of marriage.
- Counterpoint: When couples live together without being married, they may view marriage as being less important or less of a commitment, which can lead to a lack of respect for the institution of marriage overall.
III. There are alternatives to living together before marriage that can be just as beneficial
- Point: One alternative to living together before marriage is simply dating and spending time together without cohabitation.
- Counterpoint: This allows couples to get to know each other and build a strong foundation for their relationship without the potential negative effects of living together.
- Point: Another alternative is to engage in premarital counseling or participate in premarital education programs, which can help couples better understand each other and address any potential issues before marriage.
Conclusion
- Recap of main points
- Final thoughts: While living together before marriage may seem like a convenient and socially acceptable option, it is not always the best choice for couples. Engaging in alternative practices, such as dating and participating in premarital education, can be just as beneficial and can help couples have a stronger and more successful marriage.
