The Martian Chronicles

Continued guiding questions for Test #2:

February 2002: The Locusts

Why is this chapter called "The Locusts?"  What is the significance of this, both from a literary and a historical/natural perspective?

What significance does the impact/imagery of the diction used in this chapter hold?


August 2002: Night Meeting

What are some possible explanations for this chapter?  (There is no right answer)

How does Bradbury's ambiguous approach to time, specifically the notion of past, present, and future, contribute to the overall presence of real life concerns in this book?

Why do you think the word "Time" is capitalized?  How does this small stylistic element change the gravity of its use as a tangible thing?


October 2002: The Shore

What is "the problem" with who is coming to Mars and why they are there?

Thoughts on the last line?


February 2003: Interim

The Oz comparison?


April 2003: The Musicians

What are the boys doing?

Once again we have "firemen" in a Bradbury work.  What does he seem to use this analogy for?  What do "firemen" do in Bradbury's world?

June 2003: Way in the Middle of the Air

Why is a racist white man so angry about black people leaving?

Explain the satirical nature of Teece's character, and why it's alarming that he may not be that much of an exaggeration.

When Silly shouts to Teece "What you goin' to do nights, now?"  what is he referring to?  What satirical commentary about racism in America is Bradbury clearly mocking?


2004-2005: The Naming of Names

What era(s) or element(s) of American history do the sophisticates represent?

Who "...pushes back" and why?  What is happening on Mars?