1. Books
How would life be different if there were no books? Would things be better or worse? Why? Would life be easier or harder? Why? Would your life change? How?

2. Guy Montag
“Montag was cut in half. He felt his chest chopped down and split apart” (13).
Explain how this quote illustrates Montag’s frame of mind at this point in the novel. How does Bradbury represent the beginning of change in this character? What is causing that change? Show your understanding of the character.

3. Education in F451
Re-read Clarisse’s description of her experiences in school. (page 29/26)
Summarize her description. Then respond to it, comparing her experiences with yours. Explain similarities and differences.

4. Montag’s Change
Write an AXES paragraph explaining the change we’ve seen in Montag.
Your assertion should state how he’s changed (from what to what), and your examples should be specific events in the book.

5. Conformity
What evidence of conformity does Bradbury present in Fahrenheit 451?
Why do the people in F451 conform?
What qualities or actions are required in order to think and/or act as an individual versus thinking and/or acting as a member of the group (conforming)?

6. F451 Social Commentary
What societal details and/or issues is Bradbury commenting on?
What does his point seem to be so far?
Entertainment? Education?
Technology? Politics?
Personal relationships?
Reading? Anything else?

7. Alienation
Alienation is the feeling of being cut off from oneself, from others, and from a sense of the meaning of life.
Brainstorm a list of words that help define or provide examples of alienation.
Brainstorm another list of non-examples of alienation.
Now let your mind go and write about what it feels like to feel alienated.

8. More Commentary
In Part Two of Fahrenheit 451, we are introduced to the characters of Mrs. Bowles and Mrs. Phelps, two of Mildred’s friends. Through them, we learn more about the values of the society.
Re-read pages and summarize their views of parenting and politics.
What is Bradbury criticizing through the use of these characters and their beliefs?
Do you think there are people like this in our society? Explain.

9. Burning Bright
The title of the third part of F451 refers to the poem “The Tyger” by William Blake in which the tiger is often considered a symbol for a world in which evil is at work. It also speaks of the dual nature of all existence.
Explain the evil that is at work in F451.
Explain your thoughts on the dual nature of existence represented in the book.

10. Montag’s Losses
Explain what Montag has lost throughout the course of the novel.
Include how he lost each of these things.
In the end, what does Montag have and how might his life continue to play out?

11. Essay Quickwrite
Write down your initial thoughts about the ways that Clarisse, Faber, and Granger have affected Montag and caused him to change.
This journal will be turned in with your pre- writing notes.

12. Gathering Evidence For your pre-writing notes (due Thursday)
Find quotes (with page numbers) that support your ideas about how these three people caused Montag to change