Zero Hour by Ray Bradbury (The Illustrated Man)
It is a typical day in the New York home of the Morris family, and Mrs. Morris is busy with her usual routine. Her daughter, Mink, as well as all of the other young children, are intensely occupied by new, mysterious game called "Invasion." Mrs. Morris isn't bothered by the game until she gets a call from her friend in Connecticut and finds out that all of the kids are playing it there as well. When she learns that the game's "zero hour" is to be at 5:00 p.m. that day, she does begin to wonder what the kids are really up to. None of the other parents are worried about it, but they should be. The children have learned the game from the Martians that are planning to take over the Earth.
Summary courtesy of Escape and Suspense!
"Zero Hour" by Ray Bradbury (1947)
Summary courtesy of Escape and Suspense!
"Zero Hour" by Ray Bradbury (1947)
Let's get started . . .
1. Study the Quizlet vocabulary set for "Zero Hour"
Things that make you go hmmm . . .
2. Quickwrite
Have you ever felt like the adults in your life were dictators? If so, tell me why? If not, explain your response. (Dictator-a person exercising absolute power, especially a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in government.)
Have you ever felt like the adults in your life were dictators? If so, tell me why? If not, explain your response. (Dictator-a person exercising absolute power, especially a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in government.)
Read the Story
3. Read "Zero Hour" by Ray Bradbury. (This story is located in The Illustrated Man.) Pro Tip: Play Shannon Perreault's dramatic reading of "Zero Hour" while you read along to the story. It will only take you 23 minutes. (See below for the YouTube video and SafeShare TV link.)
If you are unable to view the YouTube video, click here to open the link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfZJnVoYbFQ)
If you are unable to access the YouTube video, click here to open the file via SafeShare TV (link: https://safeshare.tv/x/bfZJnVoYbFQ).
If you are unable to access the YouTube video, click here to open the file via SafeShare TV (link: https://safeshare.tv/x/bfZJnVoYbFQ).
After Reading . . .
Podcast: Eric S. Rabkin and Jesse Willis discuss "Zero Hour" by Ray Bradbury
Reading, Short And Deep #001– Zero Hour by Ray Bradbury
Reading, Short And Deep #001– Zero Hour by Ray Bradbury
Compare and Contrast Activity
Compare and Contrast Activity 21 (Digital Journal Entry)
Create a 4x3 table to identify noticeable similarities and differences between "Zero Hour" (short story) and two of its adaptations-The Ray Bradbury Theater Presents: Zero Hour S05E02 (film adaptation) and Escape's Zero Hour (radio play). Enter the following information into your chart: Adaptations of “Zero Hour” (Column 1/Row 1); Similarities to the original story (Column 2/Row 1); Differences to the original story (Column 3/Row 1); How do the differences affect the story? (Column 4/Row 1); The Ray Bradbury Theater Presents: Zero Hour (Column 1/Row 2); Escape: Zero Hour (Column 1/Row 3). Tip: Use bullets to organize/separate your text in the columns for similarities and differences.
Alternative Assignment
Use the Zero Hour Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer to identify noticeable similarities and differences between the short story and the film adaptation created by Ray Bradbury Theater (1992).
Create a 4x3 table to identify noticeable similarities and differences between "Zero Hour" (short story) and two of its adaptations-The Ray Bradbury Theater Presents: Zero Hour S05E02 (film adaptation) and Escape's Zero Hour (radio play). Enter the following information into your chart: Adaptations of “Zero Hour” (Column 1/Row 1); Similarities to the original story (Column 2/Row 1); Differences to the original story (Column 3/Row 1); How do the differences affect the story? (Column 4/Row 1); The Ray Bradbury Theater Presents: Zero Hour (Column 1/Row 2); Escape: Zero Hour (Column 1/Row 3). Tip: Use bullets to organize/separate your text in the columns for similarities and differences.
Alternative Assignment
Use the Zero Hour Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer to identify noticeable similarities and differences between the short story and the film adaptation created by Ray Bradbury Theater (1992).
The Ray Bradbury Theater Presents: Zero Hour S05E02 (aired 1/10/1992, Rating TV-Y7-FV)
Click here if you are unable to view the YouTube video (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWsYmRHRfoo&t=1032s).
If you are unable to access the YouTube video, click here to open the file via SafeShare TV (link: https://safeshare.tv/x/EWsYmRHRfoo)
Click here if you are unable to view the YouTube video (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWsYmRHRfoo&t=1032s).
If you are unable to access the YouTube video, click here to open the file via SafeShare TV (link: https://safeshare.tv/x/EWsYmRHRfoo)
Click here if you are unable to view the YouTube video (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T42RTTyUe-w&t=76s).
If you are unable to access the YouTube video, click here to open the file via SafeShare TV (link: )
If you are unable to access the YouTube video, click here to open the file via SafeShare TV (link: )
Click here if you are unable to view the YouTube video (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QSXUk8AOaw).
If you are unable to access the YouTube video, click here to open the file via SafeShare TV (link: )
If you are unable to access the YouTube video, click here to open the file via SafeShare TV (link: )
Critical Thinking . . .
1. Read "The Role of Pride in Ray Bradbury" by Alina Sparks (3 mins).
2. Complete Quickwrite 25
Quickwrite 25
a. What warnings do you think Bradbury gives his readers in "Zero Hour"?
b. Do you agree with them? Explain why or why not.
c. Would you classify your identified warnings as themes (thematic messages) in the story?
3. Read the summary of "Zero Hour" by Course Hero (3 mins).
4. Complete Quickwrite 26
Quickwrite 26
a. In your opinion, what caused the biggest conflict between Mrs. Morris and Mink? (Her lack of imagination or a disconnection from her child.)
b. Do you agree with the writer's statement: "From Ray Bradbury's perspective, the downside of peace and prosperity just might be annihilation." Explain your response.
2. Complete Quickwrite 25
Quickwrite 25
a. What warnings do you think Bradbury gives his readers in "Zero Hour"?
b. Do you agree with them? Explain why or why not.
c. Would you classify your identified warnings as themes (thematic messages) in the story?
3. Read the summary of "Zero Hour" by Course Hero (3 mins).
4. Complete Quickwrite 26
Quickwrite 26
a. In your opinion, what caused the biggest conflict between Mrs. Morris and Mink? (Her lack of imagination or a disconnection from her child.)
b. Do you agree with the writer's statement: "From Ray Bradbury's perspective, the downside of peace and prosperity just might be annihilation." Explain your response.
Masterpiece Theatre . . .
Note: Due to Georgia Milestone Testing, students will be exempted from this assignment.
Students will be placed in groups to reenact scenes from the original Zero Hour radio play.
Resources
Zero Hour Radio Play Script
Zero Hour Radio Play Audio
Students will be placed in groups to reenact scenes from the original Zero Hour radio play.
Resources
Zero Hour Radio Play Script
Zero Hour Radio Play Audio
Zero Hour Radio Play (April 1955) | |
File Size: | 5362 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |
Elements in the Story: Science Fiction
In The Paris Review (Issue 192, Spring 2010), Sam Weller interviews Ray Bradbury ("Ray Bradbury, The Art of Fiction No. 203"). During the interview Ray Bradbury says the following: "Science fiction is the fiction of ideas. Ideas excite me, and as soon as I get excited, the adrenaline gets going and the next thing I know I’m borrowing energy from the ideas themselves. Science fiction is any idea that occurs in the head and doesn’t exist yet, but soon will, and will change everything for everybody, and nothing will ever be the same again. As soon as you have an idea that changes some small part of the world you are writing science fiction. It is always the art of the possible, never the impossible."--Creator of Star Trek/Holodeck
1. Log into Flocabulary and complete the Genres of Fiction Learning Module.
2. Complete Quickwrite 27
Quickwrite 27
a. What elements of science fiction were infused in "Zero Hour"?
b. Is Bradbury thematically giving his readers (young and old) any warnings? If so, please explain and support your response with textual evidence. (Tip: Review your answers for Quickwrite 25 and 26.)
1. Log into Flocabulary and complete the Genres of Fiction Learning Module.
2. Complete Quickwrite 27
Quickwrite 27
a. What elements of science fiction were infused in "Zero Hour"?
b. Is Bradbury thematically giving his readers (young and old) any warnings? If so, please explain and support your response with textual evidence. (Tip: Review your answers for Quickwrite 25 and 26.)
4. Complete the After Reading questions for "Zero Hour."
6. Choose a constructed response statement to complete:
1st period-Click here to submit your Zero Hour Constructed Response
4th period-Click here to submit your Zero Hour Constructed Response
6th period-Click here to submit your Zero Hour Constructed Response
7th period-Click here to submit yourZero Hour Constructed Response
Depending on your selected strategy, the R.A.P.P. Strategy Constructed Response Rubric or the R.A.C.E. Strategy Constructed Response Rubric will be used to evaluate and grade your work.
6. Choose a constructed response statement to complete:
- Drill will keep his word and give the children on Earth all that he has promised them.
- Drill will not give the children on Earth all of the things he has promised them.
- Mink does not understand what she is doing by becoming a traitor to Earth's adult population.
- Mink does understand what she is doing by becoming a traitor to Earth's adult population.
- Drill's plan to invade Earth is ingenious.
1st period-Click here to submit your Zero Hour Constructed Response
4th period-Click here to submit your Zero Hour Constructed Response
6th period-Click here to submit your Zero Hour Constructed Response
7th period-Click here to submit yourZero Hour Constructed Response
Depending on your selected strategy, the R.A.P.P. Strategy Constructed Response Rubric or the R.A.C.E. Strategy Constructed Response Rubric will be used to evaluate and grade your work.
Study for Your Test
Assessment
Note: Due to Georgia Milestone Testing, students have been exempted from this assessment.
Complete a Test Correction and Reflection Form after you have completed your test. (You can obtain a copy of this sheet from your teacher.
If you're interested, take advantage of the optional extra credit opportunities listed in this module. You may do more than one extra credit opportunity. However, all extra credit assignments must be turned in by the due date. Extra credit will not be accepted late.
Complete a Test Correction and Reflection Form after you have completed your test. (You can obtain a copy of this sheet from your teacher.
If you're interested, take advantage of the optional extra credit opportunities listed in this module. You may do more than one extra credit opportunity. However, all extra credit assignments must be turned in by the due date. Extra credit will not be accepted late.
Extra Credit Opportunities
Movie Trailer
Circumstance: Individual, with a partner, or in a group. (This assignment can be completed individually, with a partner, or in a group.)
Task: Create an original movie trailer for "Zero Hour." Your film adaptation should be based upon the actual characters and events in the story. You must provide me with a copy of your project via USB, DVD, or as a file attachment. Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. This assignment has been designed for my students who have strong visual arts and production skills. I will only accept project worthy work. If you do not think you can complete this assignment with excellence, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this task, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on (TBA). I will not accept any late work.
Below are example projects for your review.
Task: Create an original movie trailer for "Zero Hour." Your film adaptation should be based upon the actual characters and events in the story. You must provide me with a copy of your project via USB, DVD, or as a file attachment. Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. This assignment has been designed for my students who have strong visual arts and production skills. I will only accept project worthy work. If you do not think you can complete this assignment with excellence, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this task, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on (TBA). I will not accept any late work.
Below are example projects for your review.
Click here or use this link if you are unable to view the video: https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/e847e7ea-1a96-41bb-a3e2-a25bb626eaad.
Compare and Contrast Activity
Use your Zero Hour Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer to identify noticeable similarities and differences between the original short story, its 1955 radio play adaptation, and its 1978 short film rendition. Note: You should use the same graphic organizer from your comparison of the short story with the 1992 film adaptation.
Podcast
Podcast: Eric S. Rabkin and Jesse Willis discuss "Zero Hour" by Ray Bradbury
Reading, Short And Deep #001– Zero Hour by Ray Bradbury (34:05)
Directions: Listen to Eric and Jesse's podcast: Reading, Short and Deep #001. Pay careful attention to their discussion about Ray Bradbury's "Zero Hour." Answer the following questions on a Word/Google document. (Remember to list the question and place a space between your answer.) Be prepared to share a link to your work (upon request) and discuss your responses with your teacher. In order to obtain extra credit, you will have to answer all of the questions correctly and discuss your responses with your teacher.
1. What is the setting of "Zero Hour"?
2. Briefly describe the plot of "Zero Hour."
3. What is the resolution of "Zero Hour."
4. What are Eric and Jesse's thoughts on Bradbury's use of the line: "Peekaboo." (Hint: Think about the concept of the game Peekaboo."
5. What does Eric and Jesse think "Zero Hour" is really about? (Hint: Types of complacency.)
6. Why do the podcasters believe that children are monsters?
7. What is ambivalence?
8. Why do Eric and Jesse believe the word "ambivalence" applies to Mink?
9. The podcasters believe the story suggests that adults are not attentive enough to children. Why? (Hint: "Parents ignoring what's going on in the minds of children."
10. What novel do the podcasters believe may have influenced Bradbury's creation of "Zero Hour"? (Hint: 1937/H.G. Wells)
11. Who's imagination or what type of imagination does Bradbury have according to Eric and Jesse?
Reading, Short And Deep #001– Zero Hour by Ray Bradbury (34:05)
Directions: Listen to Eric and Jesse's podcast: Reading, Short and Deep #001. Pay careful attention to their discussion about Ray Bradbury's "Zero Hour." Answer the following questions on a Word/Google document. (Remember to list the question and place a space between your answer.) Be prepared to share a link to your work (upon request) and discuss your responses with your teacher. In order to obtain extra credit, you will have to answer all of the questions correctly and discuss your responses with your teacher.
1. What is the setting of "Zero Hour"?
2. Briefly describe the plot of "Zero Hour."
3. What is the resolution of "Zero Hour."
4. What are Eric and Jesse's thoughts on Bradbury's use of the line: "Peekaboo." (Hint: Think about the concept of the game Peekaboo."
5. What does Eric and Jesse think "Zero Hour" is really about? (Hint: Types of complacency.)
6. Why do the podcasters believe that children are monsters?
7. What is ambivalence?
8. Why do Eric and Jesse believe the word "ambivalence" applies to Mink?
9. The podcasters believe the story suggests that adults are not attentive enough to children. Why? (Hint: "Parents ignoring what's going on in the minds of children."
10. What novel do the podcasters believe may have influenced Bradbury's creation of "Zero Hour"? (Hint: 1937/H.G. Wells)
11. Who's imagination or what type of imagination does Bradbury have according to Eric and Jesse?
Comic
Click here to check out the 1950s comic book adaptation of "Zero Hour" by Ray Bradbury.