“It was a Pleasure to Burn”

I don't come in peace, earthlings!

We’ll start with some writing.  We’ll read the first page and then respond in writing.

Imagine that Montag is burning your books, your precious stuff and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.  Describe what the experience looks like from your point of view. Try to use some of the metaphoric description that Bradbury employs in your writing. (100-200 words)

After sharing, this we’ll talk a bit about our first reactions to the book.

Next, small groups will answer these questions about page 1-21.

1. What is Montag doing at the beginning of the novel? How does he feel about it?
2. Why does the girl Montag meet upset him? What does she ask him and how does that challenge him?
3. How is life in Montag’s house very different from that of Clarisse’s house?
4. What do we learn about what a fireman is and why they have the job they do?
5. Re-read the paragraph on page 9 starting “I sometimes think…” What is she describing about how people live in that time?  What do you think the author is saying about the danger that technology holds over people?
6. What’s wrong with Montag’s wife and what happens just as he finds out?  Why did the author choose to have that happen?
7. What do we know so far about the world of F451?  How does it differ from our own?

And then we’ll discuss.

Next, I want to talk about science fiction (.pdf file here) and dystopia and some common aspects.

Finally, let’s try our hand at it. I’ll give you a big piece of paper and some markers and you’ll design a fictional Science Fiction movie poster. See some examples. And some more examples. The poster should:

1. Have an awesome title: Bloodsucking rats from Planet Toledo
2. Have an awesome subtitle or legend: They thought that the Pied Piper would save them. They were wrong. Dead wrong.
3. Have an awesome picture of what’s going on.
4. Have details about the movie such as the actors, director, and when it will be out.

HW: read pages 21-40 in F451.