Terrible Things Video

Summary

In a peaceful forest clearing, animals live harmoniously until the arrival of mysterious 'Terrible Things' who start capturing creatures one by one based on specific traits like feathers, bushy tails, swimming ability, and quills. The animals, fearful and confused, do not question the reasons behind these actions. Eventually, the Terrible Things target the white rabbits, leaving only one small rabbit behind. This survivor reflects on the importance of unity among the creatures and regrets not helping others when they were taken. He sets off to warn others, hoping they will listen and stand together.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story is set in a peaceful forest clearing where various creatures coexist, such as birds, squirrels, rabbits, and frogs.
• 😀 The peace of the forest is disrupted when the 'Terrible Things' arrive, targeting specific creatures one by one based on their physical traits.
• 😀 The first creatures to be taken by the Terrible Things are the birds, whose feathers make them the target. The other animals react with indifference or fear.
• 😀 The Terrible Things return, this time targeting the squirrels for their bushy tails. Again, the remaining animals show a mix of fear and detachment.
• 😀 The third time the Terrible Things arrive, they take the frogs and fish from the forest pond, again leaving the other creatures to wonder why.
• 😀 The Terrible Things seem to act without reason, and the creatures learn to accept that they don’t need one, as the Terrible Things’ actions are arbitrary.
• 😀 Each time a group is taken, the remaining creatures rationalize the loss, making excuses or showing relief that it wasn’t them who were targeted.
• 😀 The next group taken are the porcupines, whose quills make them a target, and once again, the remaining animals don’t question the Terrible Things' reasoning.
• 😀 Little rabbit, one of the last to remain, begins to realize that this pattern of apathy and detachment towards the loss of others has caused the forest to become eerily silent.
• 😀 The Terrible Things eventually target the white rabbits, and big rabbit insists they are safe, but all but little rabbit are taken, leaving him with the haunting realization that he should have done more to help.
• 😀 The story ends with little rabbit contemplating how things could have been different if the animals had stuck together, and he resolves to warn others about the Terrible Things.

Q & A

What is the central theme of *Terrible Things* by Eve Bunting?

The central theme of the story revolves around discrimination and the consequences of failing to stand up for one another. The creatures in the forest are taken by the 'Terrible Things' because they are different in some way, highlighting how fear of the unknown can lead to the loss of community and empathy.

Why do the 'Terrible Things' target specific creatures?

The 'Terrible Things' target creatures based on physical traits like feathers, bushy tails, swimming ability, quills, and even color (white fur). They select these characteristics without any clear reason, symbolizing arbitrary discrimination.

How do the forest creatures react when the birds are taken by the 'Terrible Things'?

The forest creatures react indifferently, with some even expressing relief. For example, the porcupine says 'good riddance,' and the rabbits are more concerned with not being targeted themselves than with the loss of the birds.

Why do the creatures not question the actions of the 'Terrible Things'?

The creatures do not question the 'Terrible Things' because they have been conditioned to accept the danger and fear them. Big rabbit repeatedly tells little rabbit not to ask questions, reinforcing the idea that questioning the 'Terrible Things' could bring even worse consequences.

What is the role of little rabbit in the story?

Little rabbit serves as the voice of reason and curiosity. He is the only one who wonders why the 'Terrible Things' take the creatures, and by the end of the story, he recognizes the importance of unity and the consequences of inaction.

How does the loss of each group of creatures affect the clearing?

As each group of creatures is taken by the 'Terrible Things,' the clearing becomes quieter and emptier. The birds' absence means there are no songs, the squirrels' absence means no chattering in the trees, and so on, gradually reducing the vibrancy and diversity of life in the forest.

What is the significance of the line 'The Terrible Things don’t need a reason'?

This line illustrates the arbitrary and senseless nature of the 'Terrible Things' actions. It highlights that discrimination often has no logical foundation and that people or creatures are targeted simply because of differences that are beyond their control.

Why does big rabbit insist that the 'Terrible Things' will not come back for them?

Big rabbit insists that the 'Terrible Things' will not return because they believe that their white fur makes them safe. This attitude reflects denial and a false sense of security based on their appearance, which ultimately proves to be wrong.

What lesson does little rabbit learn by the end of the story?

Little rabbit learns that if the creatures had stuck together and supported each other, the outcome might have been different. He realizes the importance of unity in the face of oppression and the cost of remaining passive while others suffer.

What does little rabbit do after the 'Terrible Things' leave?

After the 'Terrible Things' leave, little rabbit feels regret and sadness for not having tried to help the other creatures. He decides to leave the clearing and warn other forest creatures, hoping that someone will listen to his story and learn from what happened.