The Martian Chronicles describes the first attempts of Earth people to conquer and colonize Mars, the constant thwarting of their efforts by the gentle, telepathic Martians, the eventual colonization, and finally the effect on the Martian settlers of a massive nuclear war on Earth. As much a work of social criticism as of science fiction, The Martian Chronicles is an allegory for the tragic moral blindness of mankind and also reflects some of the prevailing anxieties of America in the early atomic age of the 1950's: the fear of nuclear war, the longing for a simpler life, reactions against racism and censorship, and fear of foreign political powers.
In THE NAMING OF NAMES, a extract from the chronicles, Earth families travel to Mars by rocket ship. The main character, Mr Bittering, along with his wife and three children, expects to return home someday. Unexpectedly the family receive news that changes their lives forever. Soon after receiving this news, strange things begin to happen, but how and why? Mr. Bittering seems the only person who wishes to find the answers to these questions.
One of your assignments for Monday 6th September will be a short biography in your own words on Ray Bradbury.
Work is to be handed in on an A4 page and must be at least 250 to 280 words.
On Tuesday 7th September, there will be a short quiz on the story to test basic understanding.
On Wednesday 8th September, work will be done on further comprehension questions in Making Meanings. This work is to be completed by Thursday.
On Thursday, ......watch this space