Topic
Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 presents a world where books are illegal and a slow paced life is a social taboo. However, the world within the text is not without hope. As the book traces Montag’s mental, emotional, perceptual, and physical journey, Bradbury vividly describes Montag’s society and associates. Although the novel presents an imaginary world in a distant future, readers throughout the years have felt that the book reveals truths about human nature and society. After rereading the story Fahrenheit451, choose one of the options below and write a fully developed essay(3+ pages, 5+ paragraphs).

Option 1:
Through Montag’s experiences, Bradbury explains the circumstances that led to a society without books or free thought. The author also spends time exploring the consequences of ignorance, persecution, and surveillance. Write an essay that explores both the causes that led to Montag’s society becoming oppressed and the effects of living in such a community. What do Bradbury’s depictions of an oppressed society reveal about our own society (this should be covered in the conclusion after you restate your thesis).

Option 2:
Fahrenheit 451 is saturated with detail, especially about Montag. Other characters are also described in detail, such as Beatty and Faber. Compare and contrast two characters in the story. What do the similarities and differences do to the story? How is the meaning of the book better communicated by the author’s portrayal of the two characters?

For option two, you should use point-by-point format for the essay.

Audience & Purpose
Assume that your reader has read Fahrenheit 451 but is not familiar with the subtle nuances, details, or implications of the text. The goal of your essay is to convince a casual reader that by examining either causes and effects or similarities and differences one can have a better understanding of the text and the real world.

Structure & Content Checklist
___Carefully reread Fahrenheit 451.
___Write an informative yet creative title for your essay; write an inventive hook as well.
___ Identify the book, its author, and the general topic of your essay in your introduction.
___ Make sure your thesis statement is analytical and clearly previews your essay’s points.
___ Organize your supporting paragraphs carefully. Include clear topic sentences and transitions.
___You must incorporate and analyze quotations from Fahrenheit 451 in every supporting paragraph as well as two, reliable outside sources.
___ Be sure not to use you in this essay as it is a piece of formal, academic writing.
___ Write a strong conclusion that wraps up the essay.
___ Edit and proofread your sentences so that they are as clear and correct as possible. Pay special attention to punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.
___ Include a properly formatted works cited page.
___ Format your paper properly: double-spaced, one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font.

Related Reading Assignments:
• Fahrenheit 451
• Steps to Writing Well chapter 9 pages 225-247 (compare/contrast) and pages 273-285 (cause/effect)

Process – You must complete and submit all of the following:
• typed final draft & works cited page
• typed rough draft(s) & works cited page
• peer review comments
• typed outline
• Bring this assignment sheet, your notes, your drafts, and Fahrenheit 451 with you if you see a tutor at The Writing Center.

Outline Format
Title ________________________________________
I. Introduction
A. hook / opening
B. context / background / tie-in to thesis
C. rough thesis
II. Supporting Paragraph 1
A. rough topic sentence
B. supporting details / examples / analysis
C. concluding sentence / transition to next paragraph
III. Supporting Paragraph 2
A. rough topic sentence
B. supporting details / examples / analysis
C. concluding sentence / transition to next paragraph
IV. Supporting Paragraph 3
A. rough topic sentence
B. supporting details / examples / analysis
C. concluding sentence / transition to next paragraph
V. Supporting Paragraph 4
A. rough topic sentence
B. supporting details / examples / analysis
C. concluding sentence / transition to next paragraph
VI. Supporting Paragraph 5
A. rough topic sentence
B. supporting details / examples / analysis
C. concluding sentence / transition to next paragraph
VII. Conclusion
A. summarize main points
B. restate thesis statement
C. closing lines