Fahrenheit 451: Themes, Technology, History and Books

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You can access the slides from today’s class, covering the plot of Fahrenheit 451, Key Themes, Technology and the History of the novel’s society, here:

 

You can download the slides as a PDF here: Introduction to Fahrenheit 451 

 

Part 1: Technology

Guiding Question: What is the role of technology in Fahrenheit 451?

Technology often plays an important role in science fiction stories, and there are some key examples in Fahrenheit 451. For each of the following pieces of technology, explain (a) what it is, (b) how it is used and (b) the effect that it has on people and society. This will help you to explain the role the technology plays. Include quotes (either as a list or within your response) to support your claims, particularly in relation to the wider effects.

  1. Blood Purification Machine (pages 22 to 27)
  2. Parlor Walls (pages 59 to 68 and various other places throughout the novel)
  3. The Mechanical Hound (pages 35 to 39)

Homework: Part 1 needs to be completed for Friday’s class.

 

Part 2: History

Guiding Question: How did the society of Fahrenheit 451 become so anti-books?

There is an interesting and unexpected explanation as to why books are so hated by this society. Captain Beatty provides a detailed, explicit account of the demise of books and the danger that they pose to society. This is also a justification for what the firemen do in burning books and punishing those who house them.

This can be found in pages 71 to 81. You will need to read this passage carefully and annotate it in your books.

Make notes in your exercise book on the following. Include BRIEF quotes within your answers where possible.

  1. What led to books becoming banned?
  2. What is the world like as a result of no books?
  3. How has the world changed as a result of this?
  4. Why did people become afraid of books?
  5. How are books now viewed
  6. What is valued most in this world?

 

Part 3: Infinite Detail

Question: Why are books so important to society?

However, Captain Beatty only gives part of the picture. His explanation provides us with a historical narrative and tell us what he believes has been gained: enjoyment and a perverted sense of ‘equality’. But what has been lost in the process of banning books?

It is Professor Faber who provides us with a contrasting perspective. His most important passage occurs on pages 107 to 110. Read this passage very carefully and annotate it. Then answer the following questions, using quotes to support your answers:

  1. Was it the books themselves that were important, or something they contained?
  2. What three things are now missing from society?
  3. What is meant by “quality” and why is it important?
  4. What is meant by “leisure” and why is it important?
  5. What is meant by “the right to carry out actions” and why is it important?