1. Fahrenheit 451
By Ray Bradbury

2. “A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it
“A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon. Breach man’s mind. Who knows who might be the target of a well-read man?” Beatty, p. 58
Discuss. What does this mean to you? Do you agree or disagree? Could well-read people take over?

3. CENSORSHIP
WHAT IS IT?

4. When do you think people first started burning books
When do you think people first started burning books? What motivates book burning?
China, 3rd Century BCE, is the first known incident. It has continued in many societies up until present day.

5. Play video. A world without books. It has happened
Play video. A world without books. It has happened. Could it happen in America? Why or why not?

6. Why do you think certain populations have allowed book burning in the past (and today)?
Political pressure, fear, mob mentality (the need to conform), patriotism, genuine dislike of the material, etc.

7. We tend to equate book burning with oppression
We tend to equate book burning with oppression. But is there ever any justification for banning certain books (or movies or art)? If so, what would your criteria be?
What are some justifiable reasons for banning/burning books?

8. Have you ever read or seen anything so offensive that you wished it would be censored? How did it make you feel?

9. Why do you think fire is used to destroy books
Why do you think fire is used to destroy books? What is its symbolic significance?
Powerful destruction, purification, cleanliness, death and rebirth. Spectacle, source of heat, etc.

10. Themes: Censorship Ignorance/Knowledge Life/Death Animal Imagery Technology Paradoxes Religion
In F451:
Censorship: owning books illegal – society focuses on entertainment, immediate gratification, and speeding through life. People with interests outside of technology and entertainment are viewed as strange and possible threats.
Ignorance/Knowledge – Ignorance is bliss. Firemen burn books, destroying knowledge, and promote ignorance to maintain the sameness of society. Is it happening today? How?
Life/Death – destructive potential of technology
Animal Imagery expresses the importance of nature in life. The lack of nature, or the manipulation of nature, causes death and destruction. Examples of animal imagery – book pages compared to birds trying to fly away… snake… hound… salamander (symbol of fireman)… Phoenix…
Paradoxes - ex. Montag walks into his bedroom and observes that it is “not empty” but it is “indeed empty.”
Religion – no religious beliefs but Bradbury includes religious references.

11. Discussion with Ray Bradbury
DO YOU THINK SOCIETY IS MOVING INTO AN “IGNORANT” ERA BECAUSE OF TECHNOLOGY.

12. READ pages 3 – 32