Zero Hour

Who or what is the antagonist in “Zero Hour,” and in what ways might this change as the story progresses?

Read Bradbury’s “All Summer in a Day,” and then compare the way children and the Loss of Innocence are portrayed in that short story and “Zero Hour.”

What is the cultural context of the modernist literature movement, and how does it affect the content of “Zero Hour” and its themes?

Bradbury was adamant that of all his works, only Fahrenheit 451 should be considered science fiction. Evaluate this claim and discuss whether or not “Zero Hour” should be classified as science fiction, and why.

Time is an important part of “Zero Hour”—so important that the title itself is a reference to time. What makes “Zero Hour” an appropriate title for this story? Does the concern of time outweigh the other themes?

How would this story change if the third-person narration was centered on Mink’s perspective, rather than on Mrs. Morris’s? How would this affect the themes of Loss of Innocence and Generational Alienation?

Consider how the different characters’ use of technology impacts the narrative. What message is Bradbury trying to convey about The Role of Technology in Reshaping Society?

What is the relationship like between Mink and Mrs. Morris? While their inability to communicate with each other is central to the story, what else can be gleaned from their interactions? How does their relationship affect the tone of the ending?