Name: ______Block: _____ Date: ______

Unit 2: The Novel : The Antihero

Directions: Pay careful attention to the video titled “An antihero of one’s own” by Tim Adams. Afterward, complete the following.

1. Our ancestors calmed our fears of powerlessness by giving us heroes to defeat the monsters that lived outside of ourselves. What does Adams say is the contemporary storytellers’ message?

2. Explain why antiheroes are more relatable than the heroes of ancient literature (such as Hercules, Beowulf, or King Arthur).

3. Name your favorite characters in literature. Are they antiheroes? Explain why or why not.

4. Antihero’s Story: For each stage of the anti-hero’s journey, cite examples from Fahrenheit 451 that demonstrate Guy Montag is an anti-hero.

Initially Conforms to Society’s Rules

Starts to Object, Finds Outsiders with Whom to Voice Questions

Unwisely Shares Questions with an Authority Figure

Openly Challenges Society

5. The video says that “Beowulf’s greatest enemy was mortality, Othello’s jealously, Hiccup self-doubt.” What do you believe is Guy Montag’s “greatest enemy?” Why?

Ms. Muhlbaier Language Arts Name: ______Block: _____ Date: ______

Unit 2: The Novel Fahrenheit 451:

Directions: Pay careful attention to the video titled “An antihero of one’s own” by Tim Adams. Afterward, complete the following.

1. Our ancestors calmed our fears of powerlessness by giving us heroes to defeat the monsters that lived outside of ourselves. What does Adams say is the contemporary storytellers' message?

We must overcome the monsters that are not outside of us but within us.

2. Explain why antiheroes are more relatable than the heroes of ancient literature (such as Hercules, Beowulf, or King Arthur).

Answers may vary, but should indicate the student has an understanding that anti-heroes possess “human” weaknesses unlike the gods.

3. Name your favorite characters in literature. Are they antiheroes? Explain why or why not.

Answers may vary, but should be supported by evidence from the story in reference to the film.

4. Antihero’s Story: For each stage of the anti-hero’s journey, cite examples from Fahrenheit 451 that demonstrate Guy Montag is an anti-hero.

Initially Conforms to Society’s Rules Guy Montag is a fireman.

Starts to Object, Finds Outsiders Clarisse influences Guy’s thinking – and he becomes more curious about the with Whom to Voice Questions world around him and books. Guy also seeks out Professor Faber for his help in understanding the importance of books/knowledge. Unwisely Shares Questions with an Authority Figure Talks to Beatty about his job: “Was—was it always like this? The firehouse, our work? I mean, well, once upon a time…I mean, in the old days, before homes were completely fireproofed – [d]idn’t firemen prevent fires rather than stoke them up and get them going?”

Openly Challenges Society Reads “Dover Beach” to Mildred and her friends.

Kills Captain Beatty

5. The video says that “Beowulf’s greatest enemy was mortality, Othello’s jealously, Hiccup self-doubt.” What do you believe is Guy Montag’s “greatest enemy?” Why?

Answers may vary (emptiness, despair, guilt, disaffection, morose, etc.), but need to be based in the text and NOT an outside force!

Ms. Muhlbaier Language Arts