Published in 1951 in a post-nuclear world, this short story by Arthur C. Clarke takes its title from a portion of Psalm 137, which laments the destruction of Jerusalem in 597 B.C. Learn more and engage students through storyboarding and interesting activities.
Literary elements for Post Apocalyptic Books - If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth analysis
Storyboard Text
Slide: 1
Marvin is in despair. He knows that Earth holds many wonders that he should have been able to experience, but he will never be able to.
Slide: 2
abyss, wonders, hues, unhurried, anguish, exile
Slide: 3
“... the hues of sunset skies, the moaning of the sea on pebbled shores, the patter of falling rain, the unhurried benison of snow.”
Slide: 4
The author uses a very descriptive narrative of the beauty of Earth that Marvin will only ever know from afar: it is a shining crescent with many wonders. The fact that Marvin will never see any of it in person fills him with anguish.
Slide: 5
It's not fair!
This passage highlights the unfairness for Marvin that is a direct result of humanity’s own failure. What should have been his rightful heritage will never be something he can have because of the carelessness with which nuclear weapons were used.