ELA Comprehensive Focus 30 S C. Campbell’s May 5 to May 11th lesson and work package

Task #1 Final analysis and reflection on the novel. 1. F451 Philosophical choices ( At university one can actually take philosophy

it was never really my thing personally I preferred psychology but it is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. It asks and studies the reality , evidence and logic of such questions for example as :Can we know what happiness is without sadness? How much control does a person have over their life? Do parallel universes exist? Which is more real, mind or matter? Is it better to have love and lost or never to have loved at all? Is there such a thing as luck? Which season is best – summer, winter, spring, or fall? Why? Which historical figure, good or bad, do you think had the biggest impact on the world? Your country? Why aren’t houses equipped with sensing lights that turn off when nobody is in the room?So consider the philosophical questions below related to F451 . State beside each one whether you agree or disagree (Students philosophical questions are generally not easy to answer they require thought and often debate. I like to think deeply but it is personally not In my nature to debate. Hence why philosophy or being philosophical about things I encounter , experience or think about is not really my strength. Maybe it is a strength for some of you students. Anyways. Regardless . Take a stance : 1.a)Montag’s murder of Beatty is justified _______________ b)Instead of trying to escape. Montag has an obligation( responsibility) to find Mildred.____________c)Montag’s plan to plant books in the homes of fireman will help to achieve his goal____________________d)Montag would have been better off had he never met Clarisse __________e)Censorship is sometimes necessary to protect people from harmful ideas or images________________f)Sometimes ignorance is bliss (aka happiness,carefree calm) , meaning it’s better or easier to be unaware of things that might be disturbing__________g)Overall, technology has been harmful to society________________1 ii) Next choose two of your responses [to a) to g)] Defend stating one of your reasons and/or an example that made or allowed you to disagree or agree with the philosophical statement .

Philosophical Letter ____ Defend with a reason and /or example that allowed you to or made you choose to agree or disagree

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Philosophical Letter _____ Defend with a reason and/or example that allowed you to agree or disagree___________________________________

Next ,I have included a few of the pages from Tim Hamilton’s authorized (by Ray Bradbury) graphic novel adaptation of Fahrenheit 451. At the beginning of this book Ray Bradbury himself * (at 87 yrs old) writes the “Introduction”2. PLEASE READ IT . I trust you find it interesting and enlightening (aka

brings clarity and light to ).It reveals I would suggest autobiographic elements and experiences of young Bradbury himself that are woven into the “ O.G.”

F 451. Bradbury’s introduction also highlights and speaks to his creative writing process. Basically, he reflects on how Fahrenheit was born and developed. He lastly puts out a challenge ( in 2008, 4 yrs before his passing at 91). Grade 11 ELA students there are a couple of standby creative writing tips, two being: “write what you know (aka have experienced) “ and “ write about things you are passionate about”. These are guiding principles that can be used for starting points or anchors for speeches (to coaches, for anniversaries or weddings or funerals) or for instance , like next year when you are asked to spend (and will be evaluated on ) your creative writing for the Grade 12 ELA provincial. Given the co-vid crisis striking as it did fortunately all of our Grade 12 PVS students had the opportunity to write the provincial first term. So carefully read through his intro and then examine the graphic pages by Tim Hamilton. Thank you!

Sorry the graphic novel text is a bit hard to read but I thought you might to try and catch some of it as you examine this comic pages . One can certainly appreciate the graphics. Notice the representation of the white clown on the parlor walls a nod to the senseless violence or obsession with overly artificial relationships that Bradbury spoke of in the original text and the detail if the cards at the firehouse and then the chase, the river and Clarisse and Montag’s first meeting. 

T. Hamilton -artist

3.Campbell ELA 30 S Comprehensive Focus students : Objects characters , as well as , elements of nature ( such as Mountains,, rivers, eagles, rivers , butterflies or roses) are regularly  used by authors , poets , artists and speech makers to symbolize or represent bigger meaning . Please see the list of symbols in the book and then MATCH  them to the correct description of what they ( the object, character or nature element ) are intended to represent . 

Symbolism is most often a vital part of the crafting of a narrative or an extended metaphor within a poem , song lyric  or speech.  ELA students  please realize and remember that the symbolism within a book or short story for example can often  reinforce a theme or thesis statement   within an ELA essay in Grade 11, 12 and beyond.  You may be relieved to know we  WILL NOT be doing an essay on this book BUT THIS exercise is designed for you to consider (if you  didn’t as you read the book ) what symbolizes what. This is a grade 11  ELA  idea  and skill one needs to consider and practice identifying.  

The “ illegal”_______________ which the State tries to burn represent knowledge, truth, and more directly, they symbolize the means (access) by which citizens can obtain truth , new or unique perspectives and ideas. 

_______________ symbolizes the destructive , sinister , controlling application of technology. It also represents an instrument of war, a tool used by the State ( government) to suppress citizens free will and choice , In other words

_______________ represents and in that way symbolizes innocence, curiosity, and emotional , genuine communication , family love and imagination. 

————————symbolizes valuing and communicating  and honouring one’s history and traditions . He also  symbolizes risk takers or non- conformers in society , in this case a dystopian society ( as does  Clarise). 

The existence of the front ____________ and house ______________________ represented the way life should and used to be ( aka present day society in this

________________________ tale of a future world where such experiences weren’t valued and instead discouraged. 

_______________________ are also tools of the State. They act like pacifiers. Mildred for example lives through the lives of the characters. She appears emotionally  and intellectually numb . This character will not consider  the importance of her own life/society. In this way, these shows are like a drug or a sedative ( like the  pills taken) in that they pacify a society into becoming thoughtless drones and the shows are indoctrinating and pumping out propaganda. Like the pills she took these keep  citizens in a passive , non - thinking , not questioning rile or state . 

Near the end of the book, Granger speaks of the this mythicsl symbol that would live would live for 500-1000years, ignite and be reborn or remade from its ashes. The __________________ some have suggested ( including the suthor, Bradbury himself symbolizes Montag's rebirth and in general, the potential for a person or society to be reborn from the ashes

This next symbol is a bit of complex one  in the book. Usually this element of nature is associated with providing with warmth , allowing one to cook or and to create energy power . In the novel, however, _______________( like the hound ) is for the most part used to signify a destructive means of technology.  A tool that traditionally used for progress is in Bradbury’s dystopian created world is used for destruction of books and free thinkers. But, as the city burns at the end of the novel, this same symbol of _________can be seen to symbolize the chance for rebirth or reinvention (especially in the section where Granger talks about the Phoenix)

Simply put, the _____________ ( in part 2) is a symbol first  introduced in Part Ii in Montag’s  memory from the beach as a child . This symbol signifies  the tangible truth (one you can see , touch or witness  ) that Montag seeks. In contrast the ________ represents the human mind seeking a truth that remains elusive ( hard to catch and hold  onto ) This sand , cooking or machine tool  is a symbolic metaphor that signifies  knowledge that is most often impossible to grasp in any permanent way. 

The warm- cool  night wind and the faint smell of strawberry and apricot and  a ____________  represent _______________and her questions symbolize Clarisse and her understanding of what is really beautiful and important . 

This character symbolizes a guide or maybe even a father figure for Montag. ______________introduces some literature to Montag and even speaks to him through a mechanical device in his ear. Here is an example where technology is being used to support and to fuel the fire of Montag's awakening and thirst for knowledge. 

__________ and the _________________ represent hope for a better, more free future. 

The _______________and ______________________________are literal/physical and figurative paths, geographically leading them to a new place and leading them to a new way of life. 

The ______________________ represented those in society that will take a moral   stand  for their beliefs , often even at a physical cost  of harm or death. 

At the very end of the novel, Granger says they must build a _______ factory to take a long look at themselves; this remark allows readers to recall Montag ‘s description of Clarisse as that same symbol, a mirror  in Part 1 “The Hearth and the Salamander.” In this way Bradbury crafts and makes reference here  to  ______ _ ___again  as symbols of self-understanding ( Ex Montag , the Book People , others in the city) and of seeing oneself clearly.( Clarisse , the new Montag , Faber etc). 

Symbol bank  River      Faber Clarisse  Fire  Fire      Faber Mechanical hound Montag mirror   sand   phoenix   parlor walls   Clarisse’ uncle  porch MirrorMirrors     Granger cautionary  Book peoplelights on & people talking together sharing railroad  tracks       Granger sieve.   Books Clarisse        the dandelion    elderly women 

Note- This activity  is adapted from this original source: https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-10-symbols-book-fahrenheit-451-by-ray-355250

4 i)Read these quotes about life, self- reflection and on writing process that Ray Bradbury has said. Record your favourite thoughtfully onto the small canvas ( maybe you can use the sharpie I sent you to use to help you create your found poetry or use other pens or markers are fine) . Be sure to indicate the words were shared by sourcing - Ray Bradbury

ii)Snap a photo of yourself with the quote and a copy of the novel in your hand . Hopefully that will indicate you are celebrating having completed reading Fahrenheit 451.!  Here are the choices:

Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.- Ray Bradbury

The good writers touch life often.- Ray BradburyRemember: Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations . - Ray Bradbury 

We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.- Ray Bradbury 

Love. Fall in love and stay in love. Write only what you love, and love what you write. The key word is love. You have to get up in the morning and write something you love, something to live for.- Ray Bradbury

My stories run up and bite me on the leg - I respond by writing down everything that goes on during the bite. When I finish, the idea lets go and runs off.-Ray Bradbury 

Every morning I jump out of bed and step on a landmine. The landmine is me. After the explosion, I spent the rest of the day putting the pieces together.- Ray Bradbury5. Practicing     your writing craft..  

When you have made your choice of #1 or # 2  take a lined piece of paper and then the timer on your cell or other house clock you have for 13 minutes and just write. A few hours later or on another day. Set the timer for  10-13 minutes and add or revise your first draft

Your task and choice is for     these     two writing sessions is to practice  your creative writing process skills.  Stick with the same choice.  Continue writing the fictional text ,poem or speech. Notice students compelling, and likely  more  flowing writing , Bradbury would agree , often has  nods to autobiographical realities. Strive to draw from your presently existence, perspective, and experience as well as, your past to assist to guide your writing. 

1. Choice 1 You are the voice of the grandmother or grandfather ( make that choice now - and then also decide who the child will be (he , she or they ) You as your future self  will be sharing the pre- co- vid , co- vid times with a young person that has grown up only in the post co- vid 19 era . Simply continue writing from  the place where the prompt leaves off . 

“ Yes grandson “( or grandchild or grand daughter )    I began with a bit of excitement and calm , entering my  weathered  , yet warm voice , waved her over ,

gently instructed he, she or  they to come a bit closer., but not too close

“ Yes” I continued my hand wanted to drum a gentle beat on their / his / her small   , velvet soft hands  , as my grand father or grandmother had frequently , sweetly done when I was young  about  seven . I gazed around the old garage or kitchen that I would spend afternoons  with. “ Particularly ,     in the summer time. I’d help out and we’d talk and watch sports lacrosse and baseball , soccer over at the ball   fields at the school and go fishing some times  or get in the car and drive to Tim Horton’s . Get a double double.” I nodded my head in wonder and reflection and then caught my attentive ,    beautiful grand child with her  / his / their   long hair tied hurriedly and and her/ his / their mask featuring  a vintage Troll ‘s (  or Jet’s ) or whatever ELA students you can isert  here).Their / his / her brown- green eyes the colour of fresh spring moss . A mix of me and her dad and mom genetics would say. .” Yes” I continued “things were different back them . In the fall   of 2017      I was  _______( insert an age) and in Grade _____. The most important things to me  back then was ......                 and             No body worried about ....            I remember loving to ...... If you choose this choice #1 students get on your creative  way

Choice # 2 Write an alternate ending to Fahrenheit starting when Montag he gets to the river ,or when the second mechanical hound is after him.

Choice # 3 an open creative writing piece ( either poetry or prose - note prose is any narrative text that isn’t poetry ) . The only rules is your piece[ whether you write a speech(ex a grad or anniversary or team windup speech) , a poem , a story or a play needs to i) include a minimum of five of these words : wonder , identity, community , history, selfless , beauty , discover,  appreciate , reinvention remember, imagine, question or believe somewhere in it  and ii) your piece of text should speak to or involve the theme of either community , creativity, kindness or resilience 

Campbell ‘s class to do list for  this week : 1. Read through work package and complete the activities to

the best of your ability. Note there are five assignment each ranging from 15 to 25 minutes to complete.

2. Be good / kind to yourself . Plan something  fun or joyful for yourself this week and however small or big - do it

3. Send me a photo via email or text  You can simply use your cell cam to capture a photo of you holding the Fahrenheit novel AND  your favorite   Bradbury quote recorded in a plain yet  bold lettering OR written in an artistic /colourful way ON the mini canvas sent to you this week. Be sure to include his name following the quote.

4. BE. SURE  if you have not done it already  Finish the  book this week and any related activities within the work packages. Aim to hand in the novel with the bus pick up / drip off on Tuesday May 12 th or you can plan for you or a family member to ring the door bell or buzzer at the front  of the school next Wed May 13

5. If you are looking fir a bit of musical inspiration Check out “ Good news” by Nova Scotia born Canadian  hip hop artist  Classified. Also , being hyped right now and released shortly  is the collaboration of Ariana Grande and  Canada’s own Justin Bieber . They have set  a charity- minded  and artistic goal of cheering on and up high school  Grads and other  HS students while raising funds for grants and scholarships for Health care and other first responders  ’

children . Bieber and Grande posted an instrumental  version already and have invited  young people to “tweet in  themselves dancing to the track -- in the prom dresses or suits they didn't get to wear, with their dogs or just alone in whatever is comfy.”( Source CNN online May3) Several of the fan videos will end up as a part of the music video for the track when it's released. So have a listen or keep an eye out for Stuck with  U.  Also, Thunder Bay , Ontario raised Avril Lavigne recently released a celebratory anthem -style creative remix of her song” We are Warriors “  in response to the co- vid crisis . It ‘s on youtube  it is empowering i would suggest. Check it out if you need to feel stronger or not so alone. 

6. Lastly, with Mother’s  Day next weekend strive to do something simple but caring and thoughtful for one or more mothers or grandmothers or  aunties; in remembrance,   or honouring  of  your mother or a mother  - figure in your life  . Take time to record your gratitude on paper , take a walk with them , or do a favourite activity with them or think about  them if you are able, or phone them , or make them  a meal,  snack or coffee or tea and have a quality conversation with them  . Clarisse McLellan and Ray Bradbury would be proud of all of us during this imposed slowing down time , and for the effort everyone is making to listen to each other and say and talk about how we are feeling . And they would  pleased were are trying to read  , as well as, spend time with family and times in nature

7. Let me know if you have a lap top , desk top  computer ( as I have a USB attachment fir a little external drive that acts as a  DVD reader ) or please tell me if you do in fact have dvd player. Put in your request to borrow my DVD  to view the Fahrenheit 451 ( 2018) film and all get one of the two copies I have to you to borrow on a 2-3 day loan. OR if you would like to borrow a copy of the Graphic novel.

8. Go golfing, walking or biking this week . Remind someone you care about  them deeply and really appreciate them as a person  - friend or a family member. 

No time like the present for things like that. Wishing you a low stress week.

Peace. - Miss Campbell