Fahrenheit 451 (2021)

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 13

10th Grade

Lesson 2 of 21

Objective


Explain how Bradbury uses figurative language to characterize the fireman, Montag, the fire, and Clarisse. 

Synthesize information from the chapter to infer the central conflict of the novel.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury  pp. 1 – 7

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Based on descriptions on pp. 1–3, Montag mainly views his job as:

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Sample Response

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Which best describes the interaction between Clarisse and Montag?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

1. Based on p. 1, how does Bradbury use figurative language to characterize the fireman and fire?

2. Read the following quotes and use them to answer the prompt below.

  • “With the brass nozzle in his fists, with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world…”
  • “He flicked the igniter and the house jumped up in a gorging fire…”
  • “Her face was slender and milk-white, and in it was a kind of gentle hunger that touched over everything with tireless curiosity.”

When taken together, how do these contrasting images hint at the novel’s central conflict?

Key Questions


  • Track specific diction Bradbury uses to describe the firehose.
  • What is the impact of the word “jumped” on p. 1?
  • Track diction used to describe the books on pp. 1–2. What does this suggest? 
  • What does the first scene suggest about how Montag feels about his job?
  • Which of the following best describes Bradbury’s purpose for the paragraph beginning with “he hung up” on p. 2?
  • Track all evidence that describes how Montag is feeling on pp. 2–3.
  • What diction does Bradbury use to describe “the girl” on p. 3? 
  • Track details to characterize Clarisse. How is she different?
  • Based on p. 7, characterize Clarisse’s family.

Notes


  • The first seven pages of this book are packed with figurative language that reveals the overall conflict and theme. The fire is seen as dangerous and violent, while Clarisse is depicted as innocent and curious. Montag views his destructive job as nothing but a routine. 
  • Students should leave today with an idea of Bradbury’s writing style—he relies on figurative language often in order to make his point.

Next

Identify the main values of the society and justify selections using Vonnegut’s descriptions in this section of text.

Lesson 3
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