Lesson 2
Topic:Using Imagery and Characterization to understand the novel
Grade Level: Grade 8 (all tracks will be studying the novel Fahrenheit 451) 
Instructional Objectives:
  • Students will utilize prior knowledge of similes and metaphors to analyze the characters in the novel.
  • Students will recall prior knowledge of the literary term personification to also aid in character analysis.
  • Students will accumulate a vocabulary list from the story for further study.
  • Students will participate in a discussion to effectively rid any concerns about the section of the novel read.
  • Students will be able to create characterization charts for the characters they have encountered during this first section of the novel
Materials:
Concepts addressed: Similes, Metaphors, and Characterization
Click here to view lesson alignment with Pennsylvania State Standards.
Engagement/ Anticipatory set:
  • Selected passages of the text will be written on the board.
  • These passages will be written down in the warm-up section of their notebooks.
  • Under the passage, students will explain what is being compared 
  • Orally, students will relay this information and further their writing by explaining how this image enhances that section of the story.
Procedure:
  • Homework will be checked
  • Some students will be selected to write a few of the vocab words on the board.
  • These students will explain the meaning of the word and how it fit into the story.
  • Student questions and concern about the previous nights homework will be answered and elaborated upon. Questions from myself will arise at this time to ensure understanding of the novel.
  • Review of similes and metaphors: See questions in the next section.
  • The characters will be discussed. 
  • Handouts will be given to the students to be started in class
Key discussion questions:
1.  What is a simile or metaphor?
2.  Why do you think Ray Bradbury used them so often in the novel?
3.  Do these literary conventions enhance your image of the characters?How so?
4.  What does the term protagonist mean?
5.  Who is the protagonist?How can you tell?
6.  What is characterization?
7.  Do the similes and metaphors help you analyze the characters more in-depth?

 
 

Closure:

  • Students will be asked various questions about characterization: How to describe a character, what you look for, how similes and metaphors can enhance the description of a character.
Extension activity/ Homework:
  • Students will complete the characterization charts for homework. 
  • In the last column write down briefly the simile or metaphor to describe the character and the page number you found it on.