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Naming of Names by Ray Bradbury. A study guide prepared by Ms. Patricia Lai Burrows. The Exposition. Setting, Characters, Background information. Setting. Future – people are settling on Mars Martian Meadow appears cold, windy
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Naming of Names by Ray Bradbury A study guide prepared by Ms. Patricia Lai Burrows
The Exposition Setting, Characters, Background information
Setting • Future – people are settling on Mars • Martian Meadow appears cold, windy • Conveys the mood of fear – Bitterings don’t want to be there • Meadow also seems hollow – empty • Bitterings feel lonely – out of place This reminds me of how people feel when they move to a new place.
Characters • Bittering Family • Mr. Bittering (Harry) – protagonist – clearly – his thoughts dominate the story • The fear and anxiety described is largely his • he seems inflexible – rigid – stubborn • Doesn’t like change • Mrs. Bittering (Cora) • tries to ease her husband’s concerns – seems more flexible • Bittering children: Dan, Laura, David • David – sets up the idea that maybe there are Martians even though they can’t see them • His ideas help convey the suspicious atmosphere
Background Information • People are settling on Mars because of the chaos and wars on earth • This should be an escape from misery
Inciting Incident – an event that introduces the conflict • Laura announces that she heard the news on the radio - Atom Bombs hit New York • No more rockets to Mars • Stranded in this new planet – fear ensues
Theme question emerges: How should people deal with change?
Metaphor A comparison of two unlike things P. 155
Mr. Bittering’s Response • “As long as the rockets had spun a silver web across pace, he had been able to accept Mars.” • What is the significance of the web? • P. 155 “work and forget” • What does this mean?
Mental Distraction • Bittering thinks about the original names of Martian mountains, cities, seas, etc… • Why do you think the Earthmen gave new names? • What does it mean when the author tells us, “man lives by symbol and label.” • How does Bittering feel about the new names?
The environment begins to change • Peach blossoms – extra leaf • Onions, carrots, radishes – not quite the same • Roses – turning green • Cow – growing a third horn • Grass – turning purple
Reactions of the Bittering Family • How does Mr. Bittering react to the changes? • How does the rest of the family react? • How do the other Earthmen/women react to the change? • How does Mr. Bittering respond to their reactions?