Let’s See Relationships Cause and Effect Let’s See Relationships

What is cause and effect? In its simplest form, cause and effect is a relationship. If shows how “Event A” caused “Event B.” Thus, “Event A” is termed the “Cause” and “Event B” the “Effect.” However, be aware that both “Events” are not necessarily events. They can be feelings, happenings, or changes. Really, any catalyst can be a “Cause” and any result an “Effect.”

Real-world examples You cannot go out on Friday because you failed a math test. Which is the cause? Which is the effect? An earthquake hits a city. Nearly 1000 people die. A teen runs away from home. He was beaten by his parents.

An important note! Sometimes the causes and effects are not that clear or can be multifaceted. Consider the fact that women are treated as lesser in our society than men. What are the causes? What are the effects? Consider that a teen dies in a drunk driving accident (assume the teen was drinking). What are the causes? What are the effect?

Continued In these instances, it is important to remember that both causes and effects must be considered in both the short-term and the long-term. In other words, we must think about what will happen immediately and what will happen months or even years after the “Event.” Obviously, the further before and after the “Events” we look, the blurrier the causality becomes. Consider the teen killed by drinking and driving again. What are the immediate causes and effects? What are they at 6 months before and after? What are they at 6 years before and after?

“The Last Night of the World” Before delving into nonfiction, let’s quickly return to Bradbury and look at Cause and Effect. I’ll give you one example. Highlight the “Effect” in one color, in the case “the couple’s calm attitude.” Now, in another color go back through the story and see if you can find the cause or causes of this effect. Now, try it with the “Effect” of “the world ends.” Try to find the causes laid out by the couple.