Fahrenheit 451: Lesson One

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The temperature 451° Fahrenheit is when paper begins to burn.

This concept is central to Ray Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451 because the main character, Guy Montag, is a fireman. However, he is unlike any present-day firefighter.

You'll learn the difference when you begin reading the novel, but here is one tantalizing hint: notice that he is called a fireman, not a firefighter!

The novel's author, Ray Bradbury, is one of the twentieth century's most influential science fiction writers.

As you watch the biography of Ray Bradbury below, answer the following questions in a journal or notebook that you will keep for this entire series of Related Lessons.

• What event inspired Ray Bradbury to be a writer at 12?
• Where did Bradbury move when he was 13 years old?
• What two writers inspired Bradbury when he was a teenager?
• What historical event is Fahrenheit 451 based on?
• When did Bradbury die?

• What habits or characteristics from Bradbury's life surprised you?

Check the notes you took against the answers below.

• Are you ready to begin reading the novel?

First, you must obtain a copy of the book. You can find a print copy in your local library or bookstore or purchase a digital copy to download to your chosen device.

Because Bradbury's work is still under copyright law, online versions can be difficult to obtain. However, you may try this version of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

The novel is divided into two parts. Read only the first half of Part I for this lesson, stopping after the following sentence.

"But it was late, and the arrival of his train put a stop to his plan."

This is when Guy Montag decides not to try to find Clarisse.

When you've finished reading, move to the Got It? section to explore issues raised in this section of the novel.