Eng Exam prep

Intro sentence

Technology is a massive part of the development of humanity. Only natural to be speculated. Spawned its own genre

Year of The Martian

2011

Year of August 2026: There will come soft rains

1950

Thesis statement

Soft rain portrays technology as mystifying force with a flawed conscious, The Martian portrays it as a mere tool for humanity to use as a means to an end

The Martian language features

Figurative language and informal diction

Soft rains language features

juxtaposition and symbolism

Thesis statement for P1

Technology in both texts is seen as destructive and unstable. In the Martian, watney’s reliance on technology is dangerous as it continually explodes and malfunctions, thrusting him into perilous situations every time.

Eg of Martian P1

In chapter 3; Watney is reentering the Hab after some reconnaissance; “The unopposed pressure launched the airlock like a cannonball…”

Figurative language quote

”the unopposed pressure launched the airlock like a cannonball…”

Analysis of figurative language

use of FL such as the simile “like a cannonball” really emphasises the impact of this explosion. Watney takes the full brunt of this technological malfunction, and we can feel the impact theought the choice of strong words…

Choice of strong words

like “unopposed” “launched” and “cannonball”. These strong choice words are commonly associated with weaponry, so their use feels particularly impactful. At this point in the novel, Watney’s treacherous life on mares was finally becoming secure, but his security was forcefully interrupted with the strength of a ‘cannonball’.

Why is the evidence for P1 the Martian important

The force of the explosion led to the destruction of all his resources so he has to rebuild everything. The abrupt change from stability to danger demonstrates how volatile and unpredictable technology can be. It is not something that Watney, or anyone can rely on, as it could malfunction and endanger us at any moment. Instead we should be reliant on human abilities.

Soft Rain P1

Shares the sentiment about technology’s instability, showing the machine known as ‘the house’ to panic and self destruct during a moment of crisis.

Soft rain P1 quote

“In the last instant under the fire avalanche, other choruses, oblivious, could be heard announcing the time, playing music…”

Analysis of juxtaposition

The word “oblivious” is used to juxtapose the “fire avalanche” to demonstrate teh absurdity of the house’s actions. A “fire avalanche” creates a strong idea of a disastrous wall of lava and rock, but despite having a ‘consciousness’, the house is unable to form a plan to prevent the catastrophe, and is only able to panic, making erratic decisions like playing music

Importance of P1 soft rains evidence

The fire eventually leads to the destruction of the house, further showcasing technology’s untrustworthy and unstable nature, suggesting that it should not be relied upon.

P2 Thesis statement

The technology in. The Martian, while still portrayed as unstable, is ultimately seen as a tool, not a sentient force. This means that many malfunctions that occur in technology stem from human miscalculation, as it is not stable enough to function without a human to mould it.

Example P2

Seen in chapter 5 when watney attempts to create water by hydrogen and oxygen. This experiment is already hazardous, but Watney is forced to innovate and rely on rudimentary, unstable technology, leading to an explosion. After realising the explosion was due to a mistake in his calculations, Watney says; “I’m such a dumbass for not thinking of it! And my dumbassery almost got me killed!”

Analysis of informal diction

The use of vulgar, informal diction, like describing himself as a ‘dumbass’ shows how watney doesn’t blame technology for the explosion, as he knows it comes with complexities and is too unstable to do anything w/o a human catalyst. Instead he blames himself, specifically demeaning himself as he knows he cannot entirely blame the malfunction on his equipment.

Importance of P2 quote

As technology is a simple tool and not solely responsible for all failures, the Martian portrays a less harsh judgement of technology’s drawbacks that is rather different from the volatile portrayal of technology’s seen in SR

P3 thesis statement

The technology in SR has a much more complex portrayal, demonstrating a consciousness and human-like tendencies such as possessiveness. However technology’s flaws are perpetuated by its consciousness, as we see the house fight with its surroundings, and the very nature used to create it, in a effort to remain in control of its surroundings.

Example P3

This can be seen in the scene where the house is burning down, “Now there were twenty snakes whipping back and forth, killing the fire with a cold venom of green froth.”

Symbolism

There is heavy use of symbolism in this quote. The fire, which represents new beginnings and cycles, attempts to demolish the house to make way for nature to regrow, however the house extinguishes the fire with snakes, a symbol of greed and evil. The snakes represent the true nature of the house’s conscious. It is not fighting for a noble cause, but simply to maintain control. However as snakes are still part of nature, they further represent the house’s inability to exist independently, without the assistance of nature or humanity.

Importance of P3 Quote

Ultimatelt the house burns down, showing that technology is too volatile to be self sufficient, and that the introduction of consciousness to such an unstable, maladaptive machine only leads to further destruction and chaos. This is a much harsher and unforgiving perspective of technology.

Conclusion

Both explore faults. One is more neutral, one is sentient yet flawed. Both are dangerous without the support of humanity. One is passive, the other is active/ aggressive.