Summer Reading

Required Reading

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Animal Farm by George Orwell

You are welcome to purchase the two required texts if you want to annotate as you read, but a link to an online pdf version of each text is also provided for your convenience:

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

You can also find the required texts at your local library.

Assignment

Before reading each text, read the background information. It will help you make sense of the books.

As you read each work, use this template to take notes. The questions and notes will count as two 10-point homework grades, and they will help you with the test and presentation on the summer reading in the first few weeks of school.

QUESTIONS

Consider the following as you read:

What is the significance of each of the major characters in the novel? Characterize Guy Montag, Millie, Clarisse, Faber, and Beatty. What purpose does each character serve in the novel?
Science fiction is literature that explores technological and societal change. Science fiction is often based on scientific principles and technology. It may make predictions about life in the future or comment on important issues in society. What elements make Fahrenheit 451 a science fiction novel?
A dystopia is a repressive society characterized by misery, often disguised as a utopia (perfect society). How does the society in Fahrenheit 451 represent a dystopia?

Related Reading

Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 Afterword (“Investing Dimes”) and Coda pdf file for downloading.

Here are some of the points you should consider as you read the Afterword:

The irony of Fahrenheit 451 being censored
Bradbury’s supposedly unconscious naming of Montag and Faber (and their respective symbolism)
Bradbury’s statement: “There is more than one way to burn a book. And the world is full of people running about with lit matches.” Consider this in relation to the two poems we read in class about book burning.

Robot Dogs Join Air Force

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Re-Read Fahrenheit 451 May 2025 a writer argues that Fahrenheit 451 is about more than book burning; it's a warning about media's impact on society and suggests that the novel is more timely than ever as its chilling vision shows a society willingly destroying itself by avoiding challenging ideas. Do you agree or disagree?

Singapore Uses Robot Dogs to Ensure Social Distancing During Coronavirus

Harry Potter Banned: Nashville school bans “Harry Potter” series, citing risk of “conjuring evil spirits” September 2019

“It’s Time to Revisit Fahrenheit 451” August 2019 a critic explains why the book is still relevant today

“Why Fahrenheit 451 Is the Book for Our Social Media Age” May 2018 a writer and director looks at the relevance of Fahrenheit 451 today

What Science Fiction Movie or Novel is Most Prescient Today? December 2015 The author argues that Bradbury foretold the future more than almost any other writer.

The Real Reason We Need to Stop Protecting Everyone’s Feelings, September 2015 One writer addresses the controversy over trigger warnings, alluding to Fahrenheit 451.

Trigger Warnings On Classic Literature are One Small Step from Book Banning, May 2014 Are trigger warnings thoughtful and necessary, or a type of censorship? One writer weighs in on her belief.

Ray Bradbury’s Obituary in the NY Times, June 2012

Fahrenheit 451 Misinterpreted Ray Bradbury clarifies his meanings in the text, suggesting that the problem is not the state, but the people themselves.

Students push back against book bans as the scope of a new Florida law expands 2023

Why Everyone Needs to Read Fahrenheit 451 Right Now Published in April 2023

100,000 banned books used to create life-sized Parthenon where Nazis once burned texts NY Daily News, 2017

The Official Site of Ray Bradbury Excerpts from works, audio, and video

Animal Farm

'Animal Farm' at 80: Orwell's parable remains 'horribly' relevant

Animal Farm at 80: Why the Animals Really Matter in Orwell's Parable About Communism

Orwell’s Animal Farm 75 Years Later Published in 2020

‘Animal Farm’ Perfectly Describes Life in the Era of Donald Trump one writer’s take on how Animal Farm reflects life in the Trump era

Orwell’s Animal Farm Featured in Law Case September 2013

Orwell’s Son Speaks About His Father, September 2012

“The Truth” and Politics — How Today’s Political Language Mirrors Orwell’s Animal Farm