Extreme reactions to trauma and fear in combat were once called shell shock or battle fatigue syndrome. The condition is triggered by experiencing horrific events firsthand or by witnessing them close up. The intense fear and horror evoked by such an experience can cause people to behave in abnormal ways, but the reaction itself is a normal human response. As you read the rest of Tim O'Brien's story, think about the different ways that people in the story deal with their own fear.
So far in this lesson, you've seen some close reading strategies demonstrated for you, and you've also practiced these skills using parts of O'Brien's story. Now try using close reading strategies a bit more independently. Click the Activity button below to access a worksheet that will help you analyze a key passage from the story "Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?" When you have completed this worksheet, submit it to your teacher.
Your work on this assignment will be graded using the following rubric.
| Points | Criteria | |
| Comprehension 2 points |
1 | You selected a passage that is particularly important for conveying one or more of the story's themes. |
| 1 | Your paraphrasing of the passage effectively conveys its literal meaning, but in your own words. | |
| Analysis 2 points |
1 | Your answer to the third question represents a careful and thoughtful analysis of the author's purpose or intent in this passage. |
| 1 | Your answer to the fourth question represents a careful and thoughtful analysis of the author's method for achieving his purpose in this passage. | |
| Evidence 2 points |
1 | Your answer to the fifth question provides solid evidence for your claims about the meaning and purpose in the passage. |
| 1 | Your answer to the fifth question provides solid evidence for your claims about the author's approach to creating the story's effect. |
