A Thematic Analysis Of Cassie's Story By Belle Bernall

1296 Words6 Pages

“Cassie’s story is not only mine and Brad’s. It is yours, and what you do with it will now give it meaning” (Bernall 101). “Cassie’s story” is of a teenage girl who lost her life in a school shooting, along with many others. However, Cassie’s death was especially prominent as she stood up for her beliefs as a Christian when they were challenged just before being shot. Author Misty Bernall, mother of Cassie, shares the story of her daughter’s life and death throughout the memoir. The personal experiences of Cassie’s family and friends throughout the book reveal the effects this shooting had on not only the town, but worldwide. Bernall expresses the use of fear tactics, testimonials, and a depressing tone throughout the memoir in order to persuade …show more content…

One impactful testimonial the author includes was from Cassie’s old youth group counselor, Jordan, who states, “An event like this should cut us. It should change us. If it doesn’t, there’s something wrong. If you just let your life go on like it did before, you’re burying a gift you’ve been given” (Bernall 99). Jordan’s intent with her testimonial was to teach the audience how to redirect their lives in a positive way after they experience a death from a loved one. Jordan even gives death the title of a “gift”, indicating that death brings the gift of gratitude to those who are still alive to receive it. Jordan ultimately wants to get the point across that death should open eyes in a way that makes people thankful for their lives. The author herself also brings in her testimonial when she states, “To me, at least, it comes down to acting generously and spontaneously, even when caution holds me back. It means choosing to extend a hand …show more content…

One example of Bernall’s fear tactics is apparent when she includes an anecdote from Crystal, a student and friend of Cassie’s, who describes, “At first we were like, ‘It’s a joke, a senior prank.’ Seth said, ‘Relax, it’s just paint balls.’... We got under our table, fast. Mrs. Nielsen was at the phone by now, calling 911. Seth was holding me in his arms, with his hand on my head, because I was shaking so badly…” (Bernall 17). Crystal’s anecdote instills fear into the audience by giving them insight of what it feels like to witness a school shooting. Crystal explains how at first, students could not even believe the reality of the shooting, claiming it to be a “joke”. However, Crystal shows how reality hit them hard as they ducked for their lives. This utilization of fear tactics benefits the audience as it teaches them to be more cautious of their lives; tragic events such as this one could happen at any given moment. The author also instills fear into the audience when she states, “Several of the letters advised Cassie to do away with us and thus solve her innumerable problems. One ended, ‘Kill your parents! Murder is the answer to all of your problems. Make those scumbags pay for your suffering. Love you, me’’’ (Bernall 36). This terrific event stuns the audience just as it had Cassie’s parents;

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