1. Fahrenheit 451: Test Review
Is it hot in here?

2. Basic 451 information Authored by Ray Bradbury in 1950
Written mostly in UCLA library
Science fiction genre
Plot covers about 3 weeks time
Based on what Bradbury thought we might be like someday

3. Setting
Set in an unspecified large city in an unspecified time in the future
This allows readers to put themselves in the position of the characters for a more personal experience

4. Characters
Montag: Protagonist of novel, decides he wants to change, fights inner war and outer war, forced to burn his house down
Beatty: Antagonist of novel, upholds societal rules, symbol of what’s wrong with society, killed in the climax

5. More characters
Clarisse: Supporting character, symbol of goodness, what used to be society, opens Montag’s eyes with her question, “Are you happy?”, killed in apparent drive-by violence

6. More characters
Mildred: Guy’s wife, represents effects of society, turns husband in for books, “family” is parlor walls
Faber: Retired English professor, helps Montag reach goal, headed to St. Louis to begin again, invites Montag

7. Basic terms
Paradox: Statement that seems to be false or contradict, but actually could be true
Irony: An outcome or event that turns out to be much different from what is expected
Metaphor: Comparison w/o “like” or “as”

8. Symbols Seashells: Like headphones
Mechanical hound: 8 legged predator, does dirty work for humans in this story
Phoenix: Bird that rises from its ashes to live again, represents Montag and his life

9. More symbols Colors such as red, orange, yellow, black, gray = FIRE
Uniforms are orange and black
River: Montag’s rebirth
Wars: Internal and external
Snake: Unhappiness in society
Dandelion: Love, happiness

10. Aren’t symbols fun??
Hearth: Keeps fire inside, contained, what Clarisse is and Montag is later
Salamander: Burning, what firemen are
Books: forbidden knowledge, government control of lives

11. 451 Themes Censorship can be dangerous Individuality is a good thing
It is better to have knowledge than be ignorant
Even when it is difficult, we must stand up for what is right

12. Random, yet important facts
Dover Beach, by Matthew Arnold, is a poem about knowledge and what the lack of it can do to a person
This ultimately symbolizes Montag’s quest for something different

13. How about one more?
The fact that society is glued to the parlor walls during Montag’s pursuit and “capture” shows how uncaring and unfeeling it really is
It is also willing to believe anything seen on TV. Sound familiar??

14. What can you learn from 451? Be an individual
Stand up for what is right
Question things you don’t believe or don’t understand
Never stop learning and wanting knowledge
Never take freedom for granted