Fahrenheit 451
Guiding Question: What is the theme of the novel, and how does Bradbury create this theme?
Irony – Notes
Irony is ________________________________________________________________________________.
The difference between what is said and what is meant is called __________________________________.
This is also called _____________________________.
Example:
A difference between what the characters in a story or play know and what the audience knows is called
______________________________.
Example:
A difference between what is expected to happen and what actually happens is called
___________________________. In this type of irony ____________________________ is surprised.
Example:
What type of irony?
There is a killer on the loose, and he is living in the woods. Some teenagers think a midnight stroll through the
woods would be romantic. Needless to say, the teens become the next victims.
You stay up all night studying for a test. When you go to class, you discover the test is not until the next day.
Your boyfriend shows up in ripped up jeans and a stained t-shirt. With a smirk, you say, "Oh! I see you dressed
up for our date. We must be going to a posh restaurant."
When watching a talk show, the audience knows why a person has been brought on the show. However, the
person sitting in a chair does not know that she is going to be reunited with a former boyfriend. This adds to the
suspense and humor of the show.
You are arguing with your mother, who reprimands you for being "smart." Your reply is a sarcastic, "If you think
I am smart, then why won't you let me make some smart decisions?"
You break a date with your girlfriend so you can go to the ball game with the guys. When you go to the
concession stand, you run into your girlfriend who is with another guy.
Irony in Fahrenheit 451
Name one thing that is ironic in the novel so far _________________________________________________________
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Why does Bradbury use this irony? (Why did he make this particular choice? What is the intended effect on the reader?)
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