1. Naming of Names by Ray Bradbury
A study guide prepared by
Ms. Patricia Lai Burrows

2. Setting, Characters, Background information
The Exposition
Setting, Characters,
Background information

3. Setting Future – people are settling on Mars
Martian Meadow appears cold, windy
Conveys the mood of fear – Bitterings don’t want to be there
Meadow also seems hollow – empty
Bitterings feel lonely – out of place
This reminds me of how people feel when they move to a new place.

4. Characters Bittering Family
Mr. Bittering (Harry) – protagonist – clearly – his thoughts dominate the story
The fear and anxiety described is largely his
he seems inflexible – rigid – stubborn
Doesn’t like change
Mrs. Bittering (Cora)
tries to ease her husband’s concerns – seems more flexible
Bittering children: Dan, Laura, David
David – sets up the idea that maybe there are Martians even though they can’t see them
His ideas help convey the suspicious atmosphere

5. Background Information
People are settling on Mars because of the chaos and wars on earth
This should be an escape from misery

6. Inciting Incident – an event that introduces the conflict
Laura announces that she heard the news on the radio - Atom Bombs hit New York
No more rockets to Mars
Stranded in this new planet – fear ensues

7. Theme question emerges:
How should people deal with change?

8. A comparison of two unlike things P. 155
Metaphor
A comparison of two unlike things
P. 155

9. Mr. Bittering’s Response
“As long as the rockets had spun a silver web across pace, he had been able to accept Mars.”
What is the significance of the web?
P. 155 “work and forget”
What does this mean?

10. Mental Distraction
Bittering thinks about the original names of Martian mountains, cities, seas, etc…
Why do you think the Earthmen gave new names?
What does it mean when the author tells us, “man lives by symbol and label.”
How does Bittering feel about the new names?

11. The environment begins to change
Peach blossoms – extra leaf
Onions, carrots, radishes – not quite the same
Roses – turning green
Cow – growing a third horn
Grass – turning purple

12. Reactions of the Bittering Family
How does Mr. Bittering react to the changes?
How does the rest of the family react?
How do the other Earthmen/women react to the change?
How does Mr. Bittering respond to their reactions?