Sophomore English/2016-2017
Character and Fate
Berger-White
In Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Guy Montag changes significantly from beginning to the
end of the novel. Here are the questions: How does he change? What are the most important
moments in his development? Why is his change significant?
You will write this essay in six substantial paragraphs.
Paragraph #1
You must start with an introduction. Name the author and the novel, and make a direct
claim about how Montag changes during the course of the novel. What defines his character
at first? At the end? What explains his transformation?
Paragraph #2
Your next paragraph should explain how Bradbury first characterizes Montag. What is his
background? His attitude? What key information about Montag’s past do we learn? Support
this with specifics, including at least two direct quotes. Your support must come from Part
One of the novel.
Paragraph #3
This paragraph should explain how Montag begins to change. What are the key moments
that show Montag in the beginning of a transformation? Again, support this with specifics,
including at least two direct quotes. Your support must come from Part One of the novel.
Paragraph #4
As the novel unfolds, what are the next defining experiences for Montag? What do they
reveal about his character? Support this with specifics, including at least two direct quotes.
Your support must come from Part Two of the novel. This paragraph should be about six
sentences.
Paragraph #5
Who does Montag become? What are the key experiences that demonstrate his changes?
Support this with specifics, including at least two direct quotes. Your support must come
from Part Three of the novel. This is in many ways the most important paragraph, so focus
your energies here.
Paragraph #6
This should be a conclusion in which you explain why Montag’s change is important. How
does his character help us understand the larger themes and ideas of the novel as a whole?
Beyond the scope of the novel, what does Montag teach us?
Superior essays will:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Clearly express how Montag changes—and why.
Develop who he is at each stage of the novel.
Use effectively multiple pieces of textual evidence to support each idea.
Cite properly each direct quote.
For example: Bradbury explains how Montag is initially a product of society
when he writes, “It was a pleasure to burn” (1).
(5) Analyze the evidence and link it to the paragraph’s central idea.
(6) Be well-written and generally free from mechanical errors.
Suggested Length: Three pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12)
Value: 100 points
Due: Tuesday, May 23rd