"If This Goes On..." Technology, Truth, and Happiness in Fahrenheit 451

Students will explore the effects of technology and censorship in Ray Bradbury's dystopian novel and make connections between his futuristic society and their own.

icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 1

10th Grade

Unit Summary


The first unit of the 10th Grade ELA sequence kicks off the year-long theme of the individual in society. The unit is centered around the dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury which presents a future society where books have been outlawed and people are addicted to technology. Through the main character Montag, author Ray Bradbury explores the tension that exists between being an individual and a member of society where conformity is valued over individuality.

Before diving into the novel, students will read two short texts that introduce important concepts and themes discussed throughout the unit. The first is Plato's “Allegory of the Cave,” a philosophical text that Bradbury alludes to as Montag undergoes his transformation from ignorant to enlightened. Next, students read "The Pedestrian," Bradbury's short story which inspired Fahrenheit 451, introducing students to his writing style and themes as well as to the genre of science fiction. 

As they read about the lives of Bradbury’s characters, students will explore how he uses science fiction to make social commentary about censorship, technology, and happiness. In addition, students will examine how Bradbury's rich imagery and figurative language paints a vivid picture of life in the society he has created. Ultimately, students will draw parallels between Bradbury’s dystopian society and contemporary society, arguing for whether or not Bradbury's eerie predictions for the impact of technology on society have come true.

Fishtank Plus for ELA

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Texts and Materials


Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase, we receive a small portion of the proceeds, which supports our non-profit mission.

Core Materials

Assessment


These assessments accompany Unit 1 and should be given on the days suggested in the Lesson Map. Additionally, there are formative and creative assessments integrated into the unit to prepare students for the Performance Task.

Free Response Question

The Free Response Question is an open-ended prompt that assesses students ability to analyze and interpret a given text or literary work, apply critical thinking skills, and construct well-supported arguments. Free Response Questions can be on-demand timed writing or take-home assignments, depending on the needs of students.

Socratic Seminar

The Socratic Seminar assesses students on their ability to push themselves and their peers to think critically and participate meaningfully in conversation by collecting and evaluating evidence, actively listening, and responding thoughtfully. Socratic Seminar assessments may occur mid-unit as a way to synthesize the ideas of the text/unit to that point or summative, taking place at the end of a unit.

Performance Task

The Performance Task is the culminating assessment of the unit in which students have the opportunity to show the skills and content they have learned.

Key Knowledge


Intellectual Prep

Essential Questions

  • What is the importance of books and literacy to a society? Is censorship, in any form, justified?
  • How does technology both help and hinder a society?
  • What are the implications of a society that values conformity over individuality? How can an individual challenge the status quo?

Vocabulary

Text-based

abyssaestheticanesthetizedbeatificcacophonycadenceceaselesscentrifugeconsigncoarselycontemptibleconjuredesolationdisplacedilateebbexploitflourishgorginghearthhomelyinsidiousintermittentinciteincriminatejockeyjuggernautluminescentluminousmanifestnomadicobscureodiousolfactoryparryperishperfunctorilyperpetualpedantprofusionprobingproclivitypulverizequibbleravenousrebutregressiveruinoussaccharinesievestolidsuffusetactiletitillationvenomous

Literary Terms

allusionallegoryanti-herocharacterizationdictionepigraphethosfigurative languageimagerylogosmetaphormoodpathospersonificationrhetoricrhetorical appealssimilesymbol

To see all the vocabulary for Unit 1 , view our 10th Grade Vocabulary Glossary.

Lesson Map


Common Core Standards


Core Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.2
L.9-10.5
L.9-10.6
RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.2
RI.9-10.4
RI.9-10.6
RI.9-10.7
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.3
RL.9-10.4
RL.9-10.5
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.1.a
SL.9-10.1.b
SL.9-10.1.c
SL.9-10.1.d
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.4
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.1
W.9-10.1.a
W.9-10.1.b
W.9-10.1.c
W.9-10.1.d
W.9-10.2
W.9-10.4
W.9-10.5
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.2
L.9-10.3
L.9-10.6
RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.2
RI.9-10.3
RI.9-10.10
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.3
RL.9-10.9
RL.9-10.10
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.8.10
W.9-10.1.e
W.9-10.4
W.9-10.5
W.9-10.6
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
W.9-10.10

Next

Analyze how Plato uses symbolism to convey ideas about ignorance and knowledge.

Lesson 1
icon/arrow/right/large

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free