BIG IDEAS for annotation Fahrenheit 451 BIG IDEAS for annotation

Section 1 Use of propaganda Conformity/social expectations Role of firemen Symbols of firemen Symbolism of mirror Clarisse’s impact on Montag Clarisse v. Mildred – foils Problems with society Role of technology Conformity/social expectations Factors causing this society Role of nature Significance of woman with books Beatty’s influences Role of allusions Elements of dystopia Elements of sci fi

Section 2 Significance of the title Role of Faber What’s really wrong with society Symbolism of mirror “Dover Beach” Fear of war Ignorance of the society Plan to bring down society Symbolism of the salamander Conformity/social expectations Factors causing this society Role of nature Beatty’s influences Role of allusions Elements of dystopia Elements of sci fi

Section 3 Symbolism of the phoenix Role of fire through out the book Granger Symbolism of mirror Plan for rebuilding Role of allusions Elements of dystopia Elements of sci fi

Socratic Seminar Qs Fahrenheit 451 Socratic Seminar: Questions for Analysis Unlike Mrs. Hudson, Montag chooses not to die in his house with his books. Instead he burns them, asserting even that "it was good to burn" and that "fire was best for everything!" Are these choices and sentiments consistent with his character? Explore his motivation for his decision and his reasoning behind his statements. Beatty justifies the new role of firemen by claiming to be "custodians of [society's] peace of mind, the focus of [the] understandable and rightful dread of being inferior." What does he mean by this, and is there any sense that he might be right? Consider also, at the end of section 2, did Beatty “want” to die? "Don't look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library," Faber tells Montag. "Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore." Explain Faber’s advice and defend why this is good or bad advice.

Socratic Seminar Qs Why does Montag memorize the Old Testament's Ecclesiastes and the New Testament's Revelation? How do the final two paragraphs of the novel allude to both biblical books? Once Montag becomes a violent revolutionary, why does the government purposely capture an innocent man in his place instead of tracking down the real Montag? Might the government believe that Montag is no longer a threat? Explain your reasoning and connect to your understanding of the characteristics of dystopia. Granger, spokesperson for the group on the railroad tracks, tells Montag, "Right now we have a horrible job; we're waiting for the war to begin and, as quickly, end...When the war's over, perhaps we can be of some use in the world." Explain Granger’s reason to say this and the influence it has on Montag. What does Granger mean when he says, "We're going to go build a mirror factory first and put out nothing but mirrors for the next year and take a long time to look at them?" Why would "mirrors" be important in this new society? Use insight from the analysis you read in class to shed light on the topic.