Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (

Essential Questions As we read this novel, takes notes to figure out Ray Bradbury’s ANSWERS to each of these questions. Also, try to figure out YOUR ANSWERS to these questions. All responses must be supported with evidence and/or quotes from the text - you must include page numbers. 1. What are the potential dangers of technological advancement? 2. What are the potential dangers of censorship? Can we censor OURSELVES ? How ? Do others censor us? How do they do it? Why do they do it? 3. What defines a person? What makes you who you are? On what criteria do you want others to judge you? 4. How does the author’s use of figurative language enhance the quality of the literature and the author’s message?

Tuesday 10/14 Listen to The Big Read Audio Guide. Take notes as you listen and be preapred to present the three most important points learned from the Audio Guide. (29 minutes)The Big Read Audio Guide In small groups, read one of the three essays, “Ray Bradbury,” “Literature and Censorship,” and “Bradbury and His Other Works.” After reading and discussing the essays within your learning community, each group will present what they have learned from the essay to the whole class - be creative!!Ray BradburyLiterature and CensorshipBradbury and His Other Works The novel begins: “It was a pleasure to burn.” Why does Bradbury start the novel in this way? Why might it be more pleasurable to burn books rather than read them Homework: Comparing Montage and ClarissaComparing Montage and Clarissa

Wednesday, 10/15: Journal Entry Bradbury opens the novel with a quote from Juan Ramón Jiménez: “If they give you ruled paper, write the other way.” Why did Bradbury select this statement, and what does it mean? How does this statement relate to what you have learned about Bradbury’s life?

Culture and History Fahrenheit 451 was published in 1953, the year the Korean War ended. The memory of Hitler’s atrocities and World War II was less than a decade old. The Cold War, meanwhile, had hardened into a standoff. In 1952 the United States tested a hydrogen bomb, and the Soviet Union followed suit a year later.

Culture and History A year after the publication of Fahrenheit 451, the Voice of America began broadcasting jazz worldwide. In New York, saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie inspired audiences with their dynamic virtuosity. In 1956, the U.S. State Department sent Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Louis Armstrong on tour in the hope that their performances would spread American democracy and alleviate the tensions of the Cold War.Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Louis Armstrong

Homework: 10/15 Read and annotate “The Exiles” a short story published in Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man. Identify the theme of “The Exiles” and provide contextual support.

Thursday, 10/15 Turn in homework: What was the theme of “The Exiles”? Study guide questions Read Part One by Monday. You will have time in class to read.

Friday, 10/16 Read Part 1 - in class - be prepared to discuss Part I in its entirety as well as the discussion questions.