AMERICAN LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

11 SEPTEMBER 2012

“There is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting

for.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

Burning Bright

What is the significance of the title?

What does Beatty say the real beauty of fire is? (115)

What did Beatty miss?

He was well read, well educated, and smart. He memorized a huge variety of things and was able to argue both sides of an argument using nothing but literary quotes. (pp 106-107)

So how could he be unaffected by the books? What element did he miss of Faber’s three steps to the magic of books?

Revelation

What did Montag mean when he said, “We never burned right.” (119)

The Burning, The Chase, The Hound, The Coverage, The Escape

A different kind of fire

Who were the men gathered around the fire (147)What were their previous occupations?What is their current role in society?What is significant about them?What sets them apart from the firemen, general population, and even the Fabers of society?

HOMEWORKRe-read “Burning Bright”

Be ready to discuss why you think Bradbury gave Montag Ecclesiastes and Revelation. You will want to read and compare the two sections of scripture referenced in the final pages of

the text and then brainstorm the significance.Essay prompt:

Throughout this book are dozens (even hundreds) of phrases that have more meaning than the words of the sentence. Choose one of those phrases (idioms) to define, explain, and

connect to modern society. You may use any quote from the book, including literary allusions and quotes within the text

Deadlines:11 September: quote selected

14 September: thesis and rough outline due in class18 September: rough draft for peer editing day

21 September: final draft with works cited, outline, and edited rough draft (in that order, stapled, please)