NAME: _____________________________
DATE: _________
Guided Notes
Fahrenheit 451
Ray Bradbury’s Life and Times:
Ray Bradbury was born in ______________________ , ______________________ in
______________.
Bradbury __________________ stories on _________________
____________________.
3.) He sold newspapers on the ___________________ ______________________ for money.
Writing:
4.) Bradbury was primarily known as a ___________________ fiction writer.
5.) Science fiction writing draws imaginatively scientific _____________________ and
__________________________ into its plot, theme, and setting.
6.) In _____________, on ___________________________________ typewriters, Bradbury
began writing what would be Fahrenheit 451.
7.) He completed a shorter draft of the novel in nine days and called it __________
________________________.
8.) Two very important authors wrote important novels during the time Bradbury wrote. They
are:
A.) ____________________________________________ , 1984
______________________________________________ , Brave New World
9.) These two authors portrayed the ____________________ of a
_____________________________ government.
10.) Fahrenheit 451 is an example of a satirical novel; satire is writing that
___________________ and ridicules the ___________________ and follies of people or
societies.
Historical Context for Writing:
11.) The novel was written in response to the ________________ ____________ and
_____________________________.
12.) The Cold War was an ____________________ and ___________________ struggle after
World War II.
13.) The Cold War wasn’t really a war; it was an _____________ race between the US and the
Soviet Union.
14.) McCarthyism, named after Senator Joseph McCarty, was a period of intense
_______________________________ suspicion in the US.
15.) Communism is based upon _____________________, _____________________ social
organization based on common ownership of the means of production. Everyone has equal
means—or is supposed to.
16.) Senator McCarthy believed there were many _____________________ in the US.
His accusations led to _______________ _____________________ through suppression of
information and _________________________ of falsehood.
17.) Targets included the following people:
A.)
B.)
C.)
D.)
18.) Both the Cold War and McCarthyism represented “________ ________________.”
Fahrenheit 451 warns against that ________________ can come under the guise of fulfilling
ideals.
The Novel:
19.) The government in the novel celebrates _________ - ___________________.
20.) People burn books because they often oppose ___________ or _________________ that
certain books stand for.
21.) People focus on _____________________ to keep them happy in the novel. The people
live in a world where no one thinks for themselves.
22.) Most of the characters in Fahrenheit 451 believe that books are bad b/c books go against the
government’s intention of promoting _____________________ and
_____________________________.
23.) The majority of the people in the novel are ____________-minded and don’t believe in
original thought, imagination, or individuality.
24.) The American dream turns into a nightmare because it’s
_________________________ understood.
Figurative Language Journal
Figurative Language: language that is not meant to be taken literally.
Types of Figurative Language
*Simile*Metaphor*Personification*Hyperbole*Paradox
*OxymoronOn the left side, record examples of figurative language from a text that enhance your
reading.
In the middle column, name the type of figurative language and explain the meaning of the
example of figurative language.
On the right side
 Discuss the literal meaning of the figurative language in the context of the work.
 Explain the meaning in the larger context of life.
 Analyze the effect or purpose of the figurative language.
 Reflect on the insight the reader gains from perceiving the figurative language.
DIRECTIONS: Now practice writing this type of journal entry, using a passage or text
assigned by your teacher. Use the format below.
Example of Figurative
Language
Abstract Level of
Meaning
Effect, Purpose, and/or
Insight
Ex. “…with this great python
spitting its venomous kerosene
upon the world…” pg. 3 (Part 1)
Metaphor: The kerosene
hose that Montag uses is
powerful and poisonous.
The purpose of the metaphor
is to convey to the reader
that kerosene defines
Montag’s life.
Example of Figurative
Language
Abstract Level of
Meaning
Effect, Purpose, and/or
Insight
Example of Figurative
Language
Abstract Level of
Meaning
Effect, Purpose, and/or
Insight
Do you see any particular items or people being repeatedly compared in the novel?
Do you see any trends in the types of figurative language being used in the novel?
How does Bradbury use figurative language to communicate an overall theme?
CHARACTERS: write a brief characterization of the main characters in this section of the
book. Include physical description if they are available, the way the characters act, their
relationship to other characters, and/or how they function in the story.
Guy Montag:
Mildred Montag:
Clarisse McClellan:
Captain Beatty:
Mechanical Hound:
Unidentified Woman:
Faber:
Granger:
Stoneman:
Black:
Mrs. Phelps:
Mrs. Bowles:
Others:
Inferences
Textual Evidence to support
Inferences
Understanding Mood, Diction, and Imagery (LTF)
Eng 2: Fahrenheit 451
Read the description of the mechanical hound on pages 24-26. List details about the
hound’s physical appearance and demeanor below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mood: The atmosphere or predominant emotion in a literary work. In
other words, mood is the emotional response of the reader to a text.
One way to describe the mood of the passage describing the mechanical hound it that it
creates a sense of ________________________ for the reader.
How do we know?
List words, feelings or emotions that could contribute to feeling a sense of
___________________.
Identifying Diction and Imagery that Contributes to a Mood
Diction: word choice intended to convey a certain effect on the reader
Imagery: words or phrases that appeal to the senses of the reader
Carefully re-read the passage and fill in the chart below with words and images that
create a sense of ______________ for the reader.
DICTION
IMAGERY
Directions: Give examples of how Fahrenheit 451 contains attributes of a dystopian and
post-apocalyptic society. Cite specific examples from the text.
Attribute
Page #
Quote/Example