Censorship, Truth & Happiness in Fahrenheit 451

Lesson 17
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ELA

Unit 7

10th Grade

Lesson 17 of 20

Objective


Analyze how Bradbury uses syntax to reveal Montag’s character development. 

Craft an argument about Montag’s heroism.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury  pp. 107 – 119 — "Part 3: Burning Bright”

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Bradbury use syntax to reveal Montag’s character development? 

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Annotation Focus

What lines and phrases reveal Montag’s character development and seem particularly interesting?

Scaffolding Questions

What diction choices does Bradbury use to describe Montag’s face? What does the diction in the paragraph about Montag’s face suggest?

How does Montag feel as he burns his own house? Why? 

How is Montag numb both literally and figuratively on page 114? What does this motif of numbness suggest about Montag and central ideas of the text?

How would you describe the structure of pages 115-118. What was Bradbury’s purpose for writing it in this way?

What do you think of Montag’s solution to this problem? Is he heroic? Is he antiheroic?

What does the Seashell reveal about Montag’s current status?

Discourse Questions

Is Montag a static or dynamic character? How do you know?

Today's Writing Prompt.

Homework


  • Prepare for the summative Socratic Seminar by crafting key points and selecting and citing strong evidence per question.

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Standards


  • LO 1.3B — Analyze how the writer's use of stylistic elements contributes to a work of literature's effects and meaning.
  • 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.

Supporting Standards

LO 1.3A
LO 2.3A
LO 5.1A
LO 5.1B
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.1
W.9-10.2.a

Next

Analyze how Bradbury uses symbolism of the river and phoenix to reveal Montag’s character.

Lesson 18
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Lesson Map

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