‘Fahrenheit 451’ Critical essay May 2011

Task Choose a novel which features a relationship between two characters which is confrontational or corrosive. Describe how the relationship is portrayed and discuss to what extent the nature of the relationship influences your understanding of the text as a whole.

Learning Intention To write a critical essay on the characterisation of Fahrenheit 451

Success Criteria A strong introduction At least 3-5 PEAR paragraphs Clear conclusion

Introduction You Must Mention: The title of novel The author’s name A brief summary of the plot Key words from the title

Example Introduction A novel which features a relationship between two characters which is confrontational is ‘Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury. ‘Fahrenheit 451’ is a dystopian novel set in a future world dominated by technology. Guy Montag is a fireman who burns books and promotes ignorance until he starts to fight against this society and his employer, Beatty. In order to analyse how Bradbury creates a confrontational relationship the relationship of Beatty and Montag and the techniques of word choice and imagery will be examined.

Example Introduction A novel which features a relationship between two characters which is confrontational is ‘…………….' by ……………………. ‘Fahrenheit 451’ is ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. In order to analyse how Bradbury creates a confrontational relationship the relationship of …………………………………and the techniques of word choice and imagery will be examined.

Paragraph 2 Point – One sentence to explain when we see that the relationship is confrontational Evidence – Quotation to back up your point Analysis – Explain what the quotation means, identify the techniques used and explain what they suggest and what this tells us Refer to the task – Explain how this point links back to the title

Paragraph 2 Example One way that Bradbury creates a confrontational relationship between Montag and Beatty is when Beatty threaten Montag after he steals a book. This is shown through: "If he hasn't burned it by then, we simply come and burn it for him.” Through this quotation Bradbury highlights that Beatty is aware of Montag’s crime and is trying to intimidate him to return to his status of ignorance. Through the repetition of “burn” there is a suggestion of violence and destruction. This links to both Beatty view that Montag’s actions are destructive , but also the threat that he will destroy Montag rather than allow his revolutionary thoughts to flourish. Additionally the use of “If” at the start of the sentence provides the fake sense that Montag has a choice in this action and that if he chooses incorrectly he will be setting himself up against the whole society. Therefore through Beatty’s threats there is a clear focus on confrontation as he threatens and intimidates Montag through this promise of a violent punishment.

Paragraph 3 Point – One sentence to explain when we see that the relationship is confrontational Evidence – Quotation to back up your point Analysis – Explain what the quotation means, identify the techniques used and explain what they suggest and what this tells us Refer to the task – Explain how this point links back to the title

Paragraph 3 Example Another way Bradbury creates a confrontational relationship is through Beatty using knowledge against Montag and trying to get a reaction from him. This is illustrated through his dream when he tells: "I was doing a terrible thing in using the very books you clung to, to rebut you on every hand, every point!” Through the sentence structure, Bradbury splits the sentence into two to show the contrast between the view of Beatty and Montag. On one hand Montag is clinging to the books and being supportive of knowledge, but on the other hand Beatty is proving him wrong. Also through the powerful word choice this confrontational relationship is further emphasised. The use of the word choice “terrible thing” suggests that Beatty is acting in an inappropriate and harmful and damaging way towards Montag and his beliefs. Also the word choice of “rebut” suggests that no matter what Montag says or does Beatty is always strongly opposed to him and fighting every argument he puts forward. Therefore, there is a confrontational relationship between Montag and Beatty as they have opposing views and fervently fight against the other one’s beliefs.

Paragraph 4 Point – One sentence to explain when we see that the relationship is confrontational Evidence – Quotation to back up your point Analysis – Explain what the quotation means, identify the techniques used and explain what they suggest and what this tells us Refer to the task – Explain how this point links back to the title

Paragraph 4 Example Also the relationship between Beatty and Montag is shown to be confrontational in their final battle where Montag kills his employer. This is illustrated through: "And then he was a shrieking blaze, a jumping, sprawling, gibbering mannikin, no longer human or known, all writhing flame on the lawn as Montag shot one continuous pulse of liquid fire on him.“ Through the imagery of “writhing flame on the lawn” Beatty is compared to fire and its destructive force. However, it is evident that at this point Beatty is victim to the destructive force of the fire as Montag controls its power. The word choice of “gibbering” suggests that Beatty has lost his charismatic communication style and is now lowered to the nonsensical communication of ignorance. Whereas, Montag has become elevated to power as the word choice “shot” suggests violence, power and the quick action of violence towards Beatty. Therefore, Bradbury has created a confrontational relationship as Montag kills Beatty as he becomes more powerful and quick thinking.

Conclusion Title of the novel Author’s name Sum up the main points you have made it your essay Link back to the title and be sure you have answered the question

Conclusion In conclusion in “ Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury it is clear that a confrontational relationship is created between Beatty and Montag as Beatty intimidates Montag, highlights the contrast between their beliefs and finally Montag kills Beatty. Bradbury’s use of word choice and imagery effectively creates this relationship as he builds up the tension and sets these characters out as very different from the moment Montag’s beliefs being to change.

Conclusion In conclusion in “ …………………………” by …………………… it is clear that the reader feels sympathy for ……………………… because …………………………… ………………………………………………… Gibb’s use of …………………………………. ……………………… effectively creates this emotional response as……………………….. Therefore……………………………………………………………………………………