"If This Goes On..." Technology, Truth, and Happiness in Fahrenheit 451

Lesson 15
icon/ela/white

ELA

Alternate Unit 1

10th Grade

Lesson 15 of 21

Objective


Analyze how Bradbury uses symbolism and imagery to convey important ideas.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury  pp. 130 – 148 — "Part 3: Burning Bright"

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

How does Bradbury's image of fire/burning change with Granger and his men? Explain how that imagery develops key themes from the novel. Provide specific evidence from the text to support your ideas and carefully explain your thinking.

Criteria for Success

  • Identifies that the image of fire is initially destructive.
    • Explains that the government uses fire to destroy books and knowledge.
    • Fire represents the harmful censorship of ideas in an oppressive society.
  • Identifies that the image of fire becomes more positive with Granger and his men.
    • Explains that fire provides warmth and comfort in the forest.
    • Explains that the book people burn books in order to protect not destroy what is in them.
    • Fire represents the preservation of knowledge and ideas.

Sample Response

Create a free account or sign in to view Sample Response

Key Thinking


Close Read Questions

Consider Montag's thoughts and feelings while floating in the river (pages 133–135) and when he emerges (pages 136–138). Based on these details, what does the river symbolize?

How does Bradbury characterize Granger, his men, and their plan? Compare that with how Montag has been acting and his own plans to change society. Provide specific evidence from the text and carefully explain your thinking.

Vocabulary


Text-based

juggernaut

n.

(p. 133)

a huge, powerful, and overwhelming force or institution

cadence

n.

(p. 140)

a modulation or inflection of the voice

incite

v.

(p. 145)

encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior)

incriminate

v.

(p. 145)

make (someone) appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing; strongly imply the guilt of (someone)

pedant

n.

(p. 146)

a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning

Homework


  • Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury  pp. 147 – 158

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What lessons did Granger learn from his grandfather?

  • What does Montag remember about Millie? What is the significance of him remembering this now?

  • What do the men see happen to the city?

  • What does Montag remember immediately after the bombs dropped? 

  • Who leads the men into the city? Why do you think he has become their leader?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Standards


  • RL.9-10.3 — Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
  • RL.9-10.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.10
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.9
W.9-10.10
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 14

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 16

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free