1. Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury

2. Setting Loosely based on the Nazi book burnings and Stalin’s “The Great Purge.” The Great Purge = writers, poets, etc. were arrested and sometimes killed. Cold War and America’s fear of communism No specified time or place, but set somewhere in mid- west America, sometime after 1960. Set in a dystopian society where all books are banned.

3. Dystopia What is a “dystopian” novel? Depicts a future society often defined by excessive authoritative control and limited personal freedom. Often makes a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system. Use of technology is often advanced and/or abused

4. Characteristics of Dystopias Propoganda Restricted information, independent thought, and freedom Citizens live in fear Citizens are forced to conform to uniform standards. Citizens may be under surveillance. The society worships one person or concept. Can you think of any books or movies that would be considered dystopian? The Hunger Games, Divergent, Ender’s Game Why are these dystopian? Give a specific reference.

5. Other Themes Role of media Threat to society? Discourage people from reading? Censorship http://www.shmoop.com/fahrenheit-451/

6. Guiding Questions What is the role of media? Is the effect of media positive? Or negative? Is censorship ever acceptable? Is the law ever "wrong"? Why would society ever ban books? What does the author want us to think about media? Books?