Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 is about a fireman name Guy Montag. The story takes place in a futuristic society. Instead of putting out fires their job is to start them. In this society books are banned and very often burned. People are preoccupied with television and radio and are not concerned about other issues in the world and indulge in risky behaviors such as speeding.
Montag starts to doubthis way of life when he meets a young girl named Clarrisse. She is full of life and enjoys every moment. Montag becomes curious about whether there is more to life besides television and seashell radios. He turns to books in search of answers.
There is trouble for Montag when his boss realizes that he is reading books instead of burning them. Things really become difficult for Montag. Something terrible happens to Clarrisse. His wife betrays him and he is forced to take drastic measures after his boss demands him to burn his own house down. Ultimately the city as he knows it is destroyed.
Montag enlists the help of a group of men who hold an appreciation for books and what they stand for. Together they will work to recreate a new found society.
Fahrenheit 451 depicts a society that must conform to a certain way of life; a totalitarianistic way of life. A life void of books, love, and nature. A life filled with television, radio, and risky behavior. This book can be very confusing in the beginning until you realize it is set in the future. The talk of burning books, and the hound being set free really has you guessing what actually is going on. Although it is a bit unrealistic, it is a fun read just as well. Junior high students might really enjoy this book because of the futuristic ideas. This could provide for a very entertaining discussion in a junior high classroom. I believe a book such as Fahrenheit 451 can really get the creative juices of junior high students flowing.
7 comments:
Donna,
Not sure if you know this, but this novel was also turned into a movie! I love when that happens! I think that it is great for our students to read a novel and watch a movie if there is one. The positives of this are that they can make comparisons, contrasts, and give their opinions on if they think the characters were portrayed correctly. I know a lot of people are opposed to this because they like the imagination part of reading, but I think this can be a tool for teaching our students also because they are so into technology.
I did not know there was a movie of this. I agree though that they should watch the movie and figure out the differences, because I think that the book is always better. Like you have said though this will lead into a great discussion and other future projects as well
Wow, this book seems really interesting and like it could be considered science fiction which many students enjoy reading. I would put this book on an independent reading list for students and it would be interesting to see their responses to it.
This semester my JH class I observed was reading various Ray Bradbury stories. This would be a nother great addition for that unit. After reading his other stories I feel like I would appreciate this one more than before. Sounds like using the movie as well could serve for great comparisons and connections. Good review; I can't wait to see what happens.
I think this is an absolute staple book for junior high students to read because it pushes the envelope and depicts an unrealistic "could be" world. This is always intriguing for students to explore and would create lively discussion about the future of our society. I really like your line about the people in Farenheit 451 living a life that is void of books, love, and nature...how can that be any sort of life at all? But, I guess thats the point of the book :)
I am aware of this novel, but have yet to read it. Sounds a lot like 1984 by Orwell. Both novels describe very similar scary depictions of the future.
Thanks to all for your comments. I was not aware that the book was made into a movie. I think it would be a great addition to a Junior High curriculum.
Donna
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