Lesson # 6: Symbols Fahrenheit 451

What is a Symbol? A symbol is when the author refers to a concrete item (something you can see and feel) and uses it to represent an abstract idea (something that you can’t see or feel – like a big idea). Example: He gave the rose to her even though he knew she wasn’t crazy about flowers. In this example, the rose (concrete) represents the love (abstract idea) that the character feels for the woman.

Symbols in the Novel Symbols can draw us into a story or ask us to explore the author’s intentions. The symbols in futuristic novels try to explore our current circumstances. Bradbury repeats certain images that become keys to unlocking the story. Example of a Symbol: The Mechanical Hound represents Montag’s modern world and the deadly possibilities around every corner.

Group Activity Mrs. Bedor will number you off to complete the following activity: Find one symbol in the 20 pages that you are assigned to look through and be able to explain its importance. Group 1: p. 3-23 Group 2: p. 24-44 Group 3: p. 45-65 Group 4: p. 66-86 Group 5: p. 87-101

Homework: Read p. 111-121 for tomorrow and be able to summarize what you read