5.)how does Zaroff know who Rainsford is before he even introduces her?

Anwser:Zaroff had read newspappers about him

6.)What do Rainsford and Zaroff have in common?

Anwser: They both like to hunt

From Ernesto Munoz per 6 English

#38

38.The names Montag and Faber are both associated with writing. Do some research to discover their origin. Why do you think Bradbury chose those names for these two two characters?

Answer: Well, the name Montag refers to a paper company and Faber to a famous pen company. I believe Bradbury chose these names because they relate to the character. Both Faber and Montag are determined to save books, which contain paper and written words.



- Estefani Rios, Period 7

#6

Note the diffrence between Montag's house and Clarisse's house at night. What is this saying about the two families?

Answer: The differences between Montag and Clarisse's houses is that Montags house is more dark,you dont here conversation, there are parlor walls [tv], and seahells,but also i would discribe Montag's house as being dead. On the other hand you have Clarisse's house where there is no darkness but light, there you can here conversation,not to mention laughter,in other words the house is alive.


-mayra ramirez period 7

35. When Montag meets with Faber, he is told that "It's not books you need, it's some of the things that once were in books".What does mean by this and what are some of the "things"he is talking about?Answer:some of the things are lessons or morals,emotions,stories, pictures/paintings, movie, ideas, vocabulary, philosophies.
Posted by 451 Test Review at 9:08 PM 1 comments

by jessica sanchez per.6

#35

35. When Montag meets with Faber, he is told that "It's not books you need, it's some of the things that once were in books".What does mean by this and what are some of the "things"he is talking about?


Answer:some of the things are lessons or morals,emotions,stories, pictures/paintings, movie, ideas, vocabulary, philosophies.

#18

18.How would you characterize the conversation Montag has with his wife? Note especially the conversation about burning " an old woman with her books."



Answer:When Montag try to talk about the burning with the old lady Mildred has no symphathy, cold and unfeeling when they had conversation, she never show to her about Montag.

#17

17. What entertains Mildred while Montag is at work?what does she mean by "programs"?


Answer:Mildred watches the parlor walls. Programs-she reads the "script" it delivres lives in reality tv.


By. Jessica Sanchez per.6

#13

13. According to history books, when did the fireman's job, as described in the novel,begin? what does this tell us about the way history is manipulated in the "future"?


Answer:Benjamin Frankling was the first fireman burning books first written by the English. History is manipulated in the future by appealing to authority and patrotism.


By Jessica Sanchez Per.6

#13

according to history books,when did the fireman's job,as described in the novel, begin?what does this tell us about the way history is manipulated in "the future"? Benjamin Frankling was the first firemanthat burn booksfirst written by the English. History is manipulated in the future as appealing to authority and patotism.

by jessica sanchez per.6

#45

45. Montag finally blows up at the women and on page 101 he tells them to go home and think. What he is really attacking is apathy. Define the word and explain what he is so upset about. Do we have apathetic people in our world? How do you feel about apathy?

Answer: Apathy is the absence of emotion, passion, or excitement, in other words you lack emotion. He is upset that so many bad things have happened to the ladies like they have lost their husbands and their kids hate them and yet they do not care and do nothing about it; their apathy disturbs him. We do have apathetic people in our world. I feel that apathy kills the love and peace that we need in this world. I feel that it kills communication and causes society to fall apart because if no one cares then people would do what they want plus suicide rates would go up.

Ana Maldonado period 5

#34

34. While on the train, Montag says, “Consider the lilies of the field ...” This can be found in the Bible (Luke, 12:27 or the Sermon of the Mount as it has been recorded by Matthew, 6:28). What gets in the way of Montag finishing the quotation? What does this say about the society in which he lives?

Answer: An advertisement gets in the way of Montag finishing the quotation. This says that society most likely has technology all over the city so that anything like an advertisement will cease or provoke any thinking or speaking amongst or between one another. This also says that society does not allow religion; I believe this is so because it was a religious quote that was ceased to be finished; and not only that but the society does not really seem to allow anything.

Ana Maldonado period 5

#10

10. According to Clarisse, why does Guy not fit with the job of fireman? How is he different from others she’s met? What could this character trait be foreshadowing?

Answer:According to Clarisse, Guy does not fit with the job of a fireman because he actually listens to her and he actually pays attention and thinks about what she says; this is how he is different from others because the others just ignore her and call her antisocial. This trait could foreshadow Guy rebelling against fireman and turning into someone like Clarisse.

Ana Maldonado period 5

9. How does Clarisse compare to Montag's wife? Besides their age, how else are they different? Which do you most relate to? Have you ever known anyone remotely like Mrs.Montag? Clarrise? Explain.

Answer: Compared to Montag's wife, Clarisse is younger and more full of life than Mrs. Montag. Besides their age, they are also different in the fact that Clarisse is a round character-she notices things and questions them-while Mildred is flat-she is apathetic which makes her boring and provokes her to not notice anything. I most relate to Clarisse because I notice the world around me and I question it. Yes, I have met someone remotely like Mrs.Montag when it comes to being boring;they have nothing but gossip to talk about. I have also met someone like Clarisse and they opened my eyes even more to the world around me.

ana maldonado period 5

#9

9. How does Clarisse compare to Montag's wife? Besides their age, how else are they different? Which do you most relate to? Have you ever known anyone remotely like Mrs.Montag? Clarrise? Explain.

Answer: Compared to Montag's wife, Clarisse is younger and more full of life than Mrs. Montag. Besides their age, they are also different in the fact that Clarisse is a round character-she is more compicated and notices things,she thinks-while Mildred is more towards flat-she is apathetic which makes he boring and provokes her to not notice anything. I most relate to Clarisse because I notice the world around me and I question it. Yes, I have met someone remotely like Mrs.Montag, but they are not like her when it comes to being apathetic but more liek when it comes to being boring;they have nothing but gossip to talk about. I have also met someone like Clarisse and they were more interesting to talk to.

#19

19. When Montag tells his wife about the woman burning with her books, what is he most interested in? Why is she so uninterested? Have you ever felt like what happens to others is so far removed from you that it isn’t important (tsunamis, war, hurricanes, suicide bombers, etc.?)

Answer: Montag is interested in why she would be willing to die for the sake of books. He can't stop thinking about how disturbing it was when she was burned in front of him. Mildred, his wife, did not care, because she has no emotions; she's too sucked into her world of the parlor walls and the Seashells.

#4

#4. Discuss the three similies used by Montag to describe Clarisse on page 10 and 11. Explain these comparisons.
Comparisons
Answers: 1. Her face was like a small clock.
2. Like an eager watcher of a Marionette show.
3. Her face was like a mirror.

#75

#75. Why is this science fiction novel concidered a classic? Why is science fiction a valuable genre?
Answer: I think people actually concider this novel as a classic because it celebrates literature to the world.

-Iris Martinez Per.5

#3

#3.
What does Clarisse ask Montag before they part (pg.10) that he finds suprising? Why?
Answer:What Clarisse asks Montag is that if he is happy. Montag finds this suprising because no one has actually asked him before. No one has actually cared if other people are happy all they think of is themselves.



-Iris Martinez Per.5

#12

12. What are some of the things that Montag does when he is with Clarisse that he hasn’t done in a long time? Why is he moved by her to act differently? How does he feel around her?

Answer: Some things include: looking at billboards, looking at the moon, or smell old leaves. Montag is moved to act differently because Clarisse makes him think. Montag feels more relaxed around her.

- Tiffany Vo from Period 7

59. As Montag's escape becomes a reality once he reaches the river, how does the tone of the novel change? Find the words and phrases on pages 140 which support the tone you've chosen.
Answer: When Montag escapes to the river the tone of the story changes from being disastrous and violent to peaceful and harmony this quote explains how it all turned out for Montag, "The river was very real, it held him comfortably and gave him the time at last, the leisure, to consider this month, this year and a lifetime of years."

#59

59. As Montag's escape becomes a reality once he reaches the river, how does the tone of the novel change? Find the words and phrases on pages 140 which support the tone you've chosen.

Answer: As Montag's escape becomes a reality once he reaches the river, the tone of the novel changes from fright, anxiety, and excitement to peace and relaxation. In fact, this quote literally describes to us the exact change that occurs, "He was moving from an unreality that was frightening into a reality that was unreal because it was new." This quotation states the recent tone as frightening and the new tone as something unreal because it was new; most likely this "reality" is something new to Montag such as a new experience, peaceful. Further, in this quotation the author is uncovering his attitude towards the river and its definition of peace, "The river was very real, it held him comfortably and gave him the time at last, the leisure, to consider this month, this year and a lifetime of years. He listened to his heart slow. His thoughts stopped rushing with his blood." In addition, this quote also shows the change because Montag finally gets a chance to think about everything-this is a sign of relaxation-and his thoughts begin to slow down-he is not worried; his thoughts have finally slowed down now that he is in the river where he feels comfortable; a place of comfort is usually a calm, peaceful place. Lastly, the book states that he was lying on his back while going down the river, this shows complete relaxation and calmness because an unrelaxed person would sink.Words such as leisure and comfortably describe the new tone.

Ana Maldonado Period 5

#3

3.What does Clarisse ask Montag before they part (p.10) that he finds surprising? Why?

Answer: On page 10, Clarisse asks Montag before they part, " 'Are you happy?' she said. 'Am I what?' he cried.?" You can tell that Montag was surprised simply through the writing and through the following passage which describes him pondering the question through his head over and over again. He finds it surprising because he has never really stopped to think about it. But the only reason he has never bothered to stop to think about it is because no one has ever cared-he is also surprised she cares-enough to ask, not even Mildred

Ana Maldonado period 5

#60

QUESTION:
How is the river which Montag uses as a mode of escape symbolic? What epiphany does he have while on that river? (141)

ANSWER:
The river is symbolic for peace and calmness. The epiphany that Montag has while being in the river is that if the sun and him are burning things it is not good. He decides that he is not going to burn books anymore.

Ana X. Ruiz per.5

#27

QUESTION:
Clarisse told Montag that people used to have front porches. What happened to them? What do they symbolize?

ANSWER:
The gront porches disappeared. The porches symblizes people having conversations meaning they interact with themselves. Like in the book Fahrenheit 451 they can't interact thats why they don't have porches anymore.

Ana X. Ruiz per.5

#59

59. As Montag's escape becomes a reality once he reaches the river, how does the tone of the novel change? Find the words and phrases on pages 140 which support the tone you've chosen.

Answer: As Montag's escape becomes a reality once he reaches the river, the tone of the novel changes from fright, anxiety, and excitement to peace and relaxation. In fact, this quote literally describes to us the exact change that occurs, "He was moving from an unreality that was frightening into a reality that was unreal because it was new." This quotation states the recent tone as frightening and the new tone as something unreal because it was new; most likely this "reality" is something new to Montag such as a new experience, peaceful. Further, in this quotation the author is uncovering his attitude towards the river and its definition of peace, "The river was very real, it held him comfortably and gave him the time at last, the leisure, to consider this month, this year and a lifetime of years. He listened to his heart slow. His thoughts stopped rushing with his blood." In addition, this quote also shows the change because Montag finally gets a chance to think about everything-this is a sign of relaxation-and his thoughts begin to slow down-he is not worried; his thoughts have finally slowed down now that he is in the river where he feels comfortable; a place of comfort is usually a calm, peaceful place. Lastly, the book states that he was lying on his back while going down the river, this shows complete relaxation and calmness because an unrelaxed person would sink.
Words such as leisure and comfortably describe the new tone.

# 63

How do the city officials resolve the hunt for Montag? What does this tell you about the society? Do we do anything like this today? The officials find a scapegoat so it looks like he got caught. This tells us that this society does not like to show mistakes that they make and they want everyone to belive that they have everything under control -Wilber Rivera, Period 4

#50

50. Examine the paragraph on 119 (“And then he was a shrieking blaze...”) for style. First, what is going on in this paragraph? What is the tone of this paragraph? Choose some especially effective words and images which help support your tone. What literary devices does Bradbury use in this paragraph?

Answer: In this paragraph Montag burned Beatty with the flame thrower that he used to burn his house with. the tone of this paragraph is a horrified tone. Montag is horrified about what is going on but is yet fascinated by it. " And then he was a shrieking blaze,a jumping, sprawling, gibbering manikin, no longer human or known..." Bradbury uses a similes and a lot of imagery in this paragraph to describe how Beatty is burning.

#64

64.What do the clan of forest dwellers have in common besides their photographic memories?

Answer:In Fahrenheit 451, besides having a photographic memory, it was revealed that all of the forest dwellers were professors who are not needed in society anymore so they left and plan to rebuild society after the war is over.

--Teresa Nguyen, Per.4

#58

58. Why is Montag so fascinated with watching his own escape on TV as he escapes? What is it about human beings that we all want our “15 minutes of fame?” Discuss this in light of modern reality shows and celebrity.

He is fascinated that after he escaped the mechanical hound is still searching for him. Then all of a suden the mechanical hound pulls behind an alley and kills someone else. The shot is out of focus so no one could tell that they did not kill Montag. What this did was show to the people that if they commit a crime they will be caught and killed. The fifteen minutes of fame has to do that because not everyone shows up on the television who ever does is special and everyone likes to feel special.

Michael Estrada Period 2

#48

What is ironic about the end of Part II? Where does the "salamander" stop?

Answer: It is ironic because because Montag is a firemen. The salamander stops at his house

-Gladys Sanchez, Period 4

#46

When Montag returns to the firehouse, he is very conscious of his hands. As this point, what do his hands sybolize? (reread the large paragraph on p. 105 to help you)

Answer: They symbolize guilt because with those hands he has burned a lot of houses.

-Gladys Sanchez, Period 4

#43

43. Next, they converse about politics, specifically the two political candidates. How do their reasons for voting for one person over the other compare to our standards today?

Answer: they vote based on the candidates appearance. Today, we vote based on what the candidate has to offer.

-Jalayne Jones, Period 4

#36

According to Faber, what three things are missing in order to understand the importance of books?

Answer: 1. quality of information
2. leisure to digest what you have read
3. the right to carry out actions based on what you have learned

-Jalayne Jones, Period 4

#4

4. Discuss the three similes used by Montag to describe Clarisse on page 10 and 11. Explain these comparisons.

Answer: "she had a very thin face like the dial of a small clock"
Montag is put at ease by her face. He is so into spending time with her and feels comfortable with her.
"she was like the eager watcher of a marionette show"
Clarisse observes Montag's expressions and his movements. She pays a lot of attention to detail.
"she is like a mirror"
she was difference which drew him to her. He feels they are similar in their differences.

-Gladys Sanchez, Period 4

#18

How would you characterize the conversation Montag has with his wife? Note especially the conversation about burning “an old woman with her books.” (49-50)

Answer: Midlred talks to Montag as if he was a stranger on the bus, as if he were not her husband.



Hugo Gonzalez Per. 6

#58

58. Why is Montag so fascinated with watching his own escape on TV as he escapes? What is it about human beings that we all want our “15 minutes of fame?” Discuss this in light of modern reality shows and celebrity.



Answer:Montag finds it fascinated that after he escapes the chase goes on and the mechanical hound goes in an alley and it kills someone else. They claim it to be Montag but the shot was out of focus so they couldn't tell who it was. This also symbolises something else, it symbolises that in that society they want to send a message to the people that no one can escape from them and when they are caught they will be killed. The quote of fifteen minutes of fame is that people like to show up on tv becuse not just everyone gets on tv. It makes them feel special eventhough it is a bad or good thing that they do.

Michael Estrada Period 2

#22

According to Beatty, what happened to intellectuals as time went on?

Answer: According to Beatty, as time went on the intellectuals turned into homeless people.

Tatiana Gonzalez Per. 4

#69

What is Bradbury saying about war in this novel? Note especially pages 158-160.

People in society have lost interest in what is going on in society and they are clueless of whats going on around them.





jessica enriquez :]
per.4

#3

• What does Clarisse ask Montag before they part (p. 10) that he finds surprising? Why?

Answer:She asks him if he is happy. It surprises him because people in his time don't care about others.

Eric Estrada Period 5

#8

Guy and his wife have a running conversation the morning after Mildred’s “treatment” the night before (pp. 18-22). Explain the significance of the “script” and the TV walls. What part of our current society might this be a comment on? What is it saying about this society in context?

Answer: The "script" and the tv walls show how Guy and Mildred's relationship is robotic and without communication. tis comment on our society is how poeple marry each other not because they like each other but for other reasons, perhaps financial. In Context i think it shows how relationships work in Montag's city.

Mauro Villalovos
Per. 4

#14

14. On page 38, Beatty tells Mrs. Riley, “You know the law….Where’s your common sense? None of those books agree with each other…. You’ve been locked up here for years with a regular damned Tower of Babel….The people in those books never lived.” What are the implications of the allusion to the Tower of Babel? (Use a computer to run a Google search on Tower of Babel if you need to.)

The Tower of Babel was a tower built by Noah's descendants (probably in Babylon) who intended it to reach up to heaven. God punished them by confusing their languages so no one could understand one another. Beatty is always saying how literature is useless but he can't stop referring to books such as when speaking to Mrs.Riley.

Sergio Flores. AP Per 4

#63

How do the city officials resolve the hunt for Montag? What does this tell you about the society? Do we do anything like this today?

Answere: City officials told everyone to look out at their windows to see if they can find Montag. This says that the people in the society are being controlled by the government and that they are not free to make their own choices. In today's society we do have something similar to this but not to the extreme level where the officials tell us to step out of our houses. Usually they post up "wanted" signs to see if we are familiar with the faces. but other than that "its all cool."

Bernardo Ceja p.2

#7

7. What is the implication of Montag's last thought before sleep on pg. 18- "I don't know anything anymore"

Answer: Montags last though before going to sleep was "I don't know any thing anymore". This showed a charataristic in Montag; he is becoming independent and is starting to think. Basically he starting to feel empty and feels a need to understand everything better, which leads to his discovery in the woods. So when he asks himself if knows anything anymore, hes saying, "whats going on?, Whats right and whats wrong?, I need to Understand!" thats the implication.

--By David Rodriguez Per. 7

#6

6. Note the differences between Montag’s house and Clarisse’s house at night. What is this saying about the two families?

Answer: Montags house is dark and quiet while Clarisse house is luminescent and filled with noise of people talking. This is saying about the two families that one is being controlled by the society with seashells and tv walls(Montags House) while Clarisse house they rather talk and think about stuff rather than to watch tv or listen to their seashells.

Sergio alamos

# 6

Note the differences between Montag’s house and Clarisse’s house at night. What is this saying about the two families?
ANSWER: MONTAG'S HOUSE CLARISSE HOUSE
-quiet -brightly lit
-dark -full of people
-watching parlor walls -talk
- laughter





-breanna serrano

#49

Discuss the literary allusion used in the following: "Old Montag wanted to fly near the sun and now that he's burnt his damn wings, he wonders why"(113). To whom is Beatty alluding and how is this mythological character like Montag?


answer: Beatty was alluding the literary allusion to Montag. The mythological character is like Montag in the sense that the mythological character flew higher and higher toward the sun and eventually the sun was able to burn the wax that held his wings together. Then he fell to his death. Montag hid books in his attic, he read the books that were banned from the fire department, and he visited a professor's house to try to understand the meaning of books. Montag was just asking to get caught.

-Juan Aguilar...per.2

11.

11. Why do you think the Mechanical Hound growls at Montag?

Answer: The dog growls at montag because some way it can sense what montag is doing which is rebelling against the society by hiding books in his house which has been banned.

Sergio Alamos

# 2

Clarisse uses three verbs that Montag seems surprised about: thinking, talking, and reading. Why does Montag think these things “startling”?
answer: In their soccity people don't read(books,buned),so they also don't talk or think(tvs)

#5

5. What does Montag find has happened to his wife when he returns home? What is the method of treatment for her? What does this say about the society in which the Montags live?

answer: He finds that she has over dozed on sleeping pills. The method of treatment for her is to drain her blood and give her new one. Clarisse actions shows that not everyone in the society is happy because she obviously tried to kill her self.

Sergio Alamos Per.4

# 3

What does Clarisse ask Montag before they part (p. 10) that he finds surprising? Why?

ANSWER: "Are you happy"? He thought about to while he' asks him if he's happy.

#63

How do the city officials resolve the hunt for Montag? What does this tell you about the society? Do we do anything like this today?


When Granger shows Montag what is happening in his portable tv that he has with him, Montag finds that he is "dead." The helicopter pretends to look for Montag even though they already know that Montag has already lost them. The city officials want to quickly end the case and let people know that everything is fine. The camera closes up and points at a random guy on the street to build the suspense. The Mechanical Hound and the helicopter lights "shot down a dozen brillian pillars that built a cage all about the man" and the search is done (148). The society tends to control people's mind with the foolish things they do that the people dont even recognize. The people are basically hypnotized by the government because Mildred would rather betray her husband than to break the law of reading books. I personally don't think we have anything like this today because we are all equal under the law of the five freedoms that we have. However, the only thing that comes up in my mind is the commercials/products/propagandas that are being advertised. The most uneccessary things that we don't need, we all want them after we watch the commercials. The propagandas turn some of us to think that black is white and white is black.



-linh, per 4

#1

When Guy Montag first meets Clarisse, immediate differences can be noted between the two characters. What does Montag enjoy doing and what does Clarisse enjoy doing? What do these diffemontag enjoys seeing things burn,especially books, while clarisse questions firemen and likes to read.he seems confused by the idea of converstion while she says she likes to talk to people. he is surpised by the things she makes and t and she ask him of is happiness.rences say about their characters?

answer: Montag enjoys seeing things burn, especially books,while clarisse questions firemen and likes to read. He seems confused by the widea of converstion.while she says she likes to talk to people. he is suprised by the things she makes and t she ask him of his happiness.



-BREANNA SERRANO

#3

3. What does Clarisse ask Montag before they part (p. 10) that he finds surprising? Why?

Clarisse asks him if he's happy. He's surprised, because no one ever asks him that, which shows us the lack of conversation and interaction in his society and the relationship that he has with his wife. He also says he never really thought about it.

#2

2. Clarisse uses three verbs that Montag seems surprised about: thinking, talking, and reading. Why does Montag think these things “startling”?

Answer: These activities go against the principles that his government has set. People don't do these things: they watch TV and listen to their seashells. People don't read anymore, because books are being burned. Without books, there's not much to talk about or think about.

--By Miss Gharda's Amazing 7th Period Class

#1

1. When Guy Montag first meets Clarisse, immediate differences can be noted between the two characters. What does Montag enjoy doing and what does Clarisse enjoy doing? What do these differences say about their characters?

Answer: Montag enjoys watching things burn, especially books, while Clarisse questions firemen and what they do and likes to read. He seems confused by the idea of conversation, while she says she likes to talk to people. He is surprised by the things she notices and that she asks him if he's happy.

--By Ms. Gharda's Awesome 6th Period Class

#6

6. Note the differences between Montag’s house and Clarisse’s house at night. What is this saying about the two families?

Answer:
Montag's house: described as a "mausoleum," marble, cold, dark, quiet at night, blaring parlor walls during the day, no emotion
Clarisse's house: welcoming, warm, laughter, brightly-lit, conversation

#29

29. Montag mentions that he hears planes going overhead while he and Mildred are reading (93). How can books help “get us half out of the cave?”

Answer: It's usually too loud to hear the planes because of the Seashells and the blaring parlor walls. Reading allows for quiet and opens our eyes to the world around us. The planes represent the war that is going on around the people and that they aren't paying attention to.

--Ms. Gharda' Period 4 Class

#26

26. Has Beatty’s visit changed Montag’s view of his job or the world? How do you know?

Answer: No, because he goes to talk to Faber about books right after Beatty leaves. After Beatty tells him he hopes to see him at work, "I'll never come in again, thought Montag" (63).

#37

37. Another truth stated by Faber about books is that “books are to remind us what asses and fools we are” (86). Think of a book or play that reminds us of that and explain.

Answer: Midsummer Night's Dream-- Bottom (turned into ass; people falling in love with fools)
To Kill a Mockingbird-- Shows foolishness of humans who are racist

#36

36. According to Faber, what three things are missing in order to understand the importance of books? (83-85)

Answer: 1) They have quality (detail).
2) Leisure/time to digest
3) The right to carry out action based on what we learn from the interaction of the first two (detail and leisure to digest information).

--Ms. Gharda's 2nd period with Jaime Garcia's help

Study Guide

Fahrenheit 451 Study Guide:

"The Salamander and the Hearth"

Pages 3-18
1. When Guy Montag first meets Clarisse, immediate differences can be noted between the two characters. What does Montag enjoy doing and what does Clarisse enjoy doing? What do these differences say about their characters?




2. Clarisse uses three verbs that Montag seems surprised about: thinking, talking, and reading. Why does Montag think these things “startling”?




3. What does Clarisse ask Montag before they part (p. 10) that he finds surprising? Why?




4. Discuss the three similes used by Montag to describe Clarisse on page 10 and 11. Explain these comparisons.




5. What does Montag find has happened to his wife when he returns home? What is the method of treatment for her? What does this say about the society in which the Montags live?




6. Note the differences between Montag’s house and Clarisse’s house at night. What is this saying about the two families?




7. What is the implication of Montag’s last thought before sleep on p. 18- “I don’t know anything anymore.”

pp. 18-40
8. Guy and his wife have a running conversation the morning after Mildred’s “treatment” the night before (pp. 18-22). Explain the significance of the “script” and the TV walls. What part of our current society might this be a comment on? What is it saying about this society in context?




9. How does Clarisse compare to Montag’s wife? Besides their age, how else are they different? Which do you most relate to? Have you ever known anyone remotely like Mrs. Montag? Clarisse? Explain.




10. According to Clarisse, why does Guy not fit with the job of fireman? How is he different from others she’s met? What could this character trait be foreshadowing?




11. Why do you think the Mechanical Hound growls at Montag?




12. What are some of the things that Montag does when he is with Clarisse that he hasn’t done in a long time? Why is he moved by her to act differently? How does he feel around her?




13. According to history books, when did the fireman’s job, as described in the novel, begin? What does this tell us about the way history is manipulated in “the future”?



14. On page 38, Beatty tells Mrs. Riley, “You know the law….Where’s your common sense? None of those books agree with each other…. You’ve been locked up here for years with a regular damned Tower of Babel….The people in those books never lived.” What are the implications of the allusion to the Tower of Babel? (Use a computer to run a Google search on Tower of Babel if you need to.)



15. What did Mrs. Riley say when they arrived, who had said it before, and what might this foreshadow? (40)




pp. 41-68
16. From pages 41-48, there seems to be much confusion between Montag and his wife. What is going on here? What has he done and, according to Mildred, what has happened to Clarisse? Why did she not tell Montag sooner?




17. What entertains Mildred while Montag is at work? What does she mean by “programs”?




18. How would you characterize the conversation Montag has with his wife? Note especially the conversation about burning “an old woman with her books.” (49-50)




19. When Montag tells his wife about the woman burning with her books, what is he most interested in? Why is she so uninterested? Have you ever felt like what happens to others is so far removed from you that it isn’t important (tsunamis, war, hurricanes, suicide bombers, etc.?)




20. “It took some man a lifetime maybe to put some of his thoughts down, looking around at the world and life, and then I come along in two minutes and boom! It’s all over” (52). Explain what this quotation says about the importance of books and what it tells us about how Montag is changing.



21. Beatty discusses the history of books, and in several paragraphs encapsulates the whole of modern society. Reread the paragraph at the bottom of page 55 beginning, “School is shortened…” along with the several paragraph on 57 and 58. How many of the items mentioned are actually true today (don’t forget this novel was first published in 1953).




22. According to Beatty, what happened to intellectuals as time went on?




23. Beatty says that “People want to be happy, isn’t that right?” He even calls the firemen the “Happiness Boys.” How does burning books help to keep people happy?



24. Beatty explains what happened to Clarisse. What happened and why?




25. How has education changed in the world of this novel? Do you see any foreshadowing to this trend in our real society?




26. Has Beatty’s visit changed Montag’s view of his job or the world? How do you know?



27. Clarisse told Montag that people used to have front porches. What has happened to them? What do they symbolize?




28. At the end of the section, it is clear that Montag has been reading from a book called Gulliver’s Travels in which a whole civilization is built on which end one breaks their soft boiled eggs. How is this civilization like Montag’s world?

"The Sieve and the Sand"

29. Montag mentions that he hears planes going overhead while he and Mildred are reading (93). How can books help “get us half out of the cave?”




30. On page 74 Montag remembers a chance encounter with a former English Professor. In hindsight, what does Montag realize about this man? How does he foreshadow the future for Montag?




31. As we read this chapter what do we learn about Montag’s book stealing? What must he do in order to keep Beatty from discovering his secret?




32. Montag mentions the Bible, Plato, and Shakespeare. How does one choose which book is the most important to save? Which books would you save if you had to and why?




33. On page 78, Montag remembers a story about “the sieve and the sand,” also the title of this section. How is the story a metaphor for what Montag is trying to do?




34. While on the train, Montag says, “Consider the lilies of the field ...” This can be found in the Bible (Luke, 12:27 or the Sermon of the Mount as it has been recorded by Matthew, 6:28). What gets in the way of Montag finishing the quotation? What does this say about the society in which he lives?





35. When Montag meets with Faber, he is told that “It’s not books you need, it’s some of the things that once were in books”(82). What does he mean by this and what are some of the “things” he is talking about?


36. According to Faber, what three things are missing in order to understand the importance of books? (83-85)




37. Another truth stated by Faber about books is that “books are to remind us what asses and fools we are” (86). Think of a book or play that reminds us of that and explain.




38. The names Montag and Faber are both associated with writing. Do some research to discover their origin. Why do you think Bradbury chose those names for these two characters?




39. What does Faber mean by “Those who don’t build must burn”?




40. Faber reveals to Montag his “electronic cowardice.” What has he invented and how will it help them in their subversive activities?




41. Faber begins to read to Montag from “The Book of Job,” a famous book of the Bible. What is this biblical story about? Why is this an appropriate story for Montag to hear at this point?




42. On page 96, the women visiting the Montag’s discuss “having children.” What does their conversation tell you is important in the society of the novel?





43. Next, they converse about politics, specifically the two political candidates. How do their reasons for voting for one person over the over compare to our standards today?

44. Montag reads parts of a poem called “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold (100) Why does it make Mrs. Phelps cry? Why aren’t the women interested in reading these kinds of things?




45. Montag finally blows up at the women and on page 101 he tells them to go home and think. What he is really attacking is apathy. Define the word and explain what he is so upset about. Do we have apathetic people in our world? How do you feel about apathy?




46. When Montag returns to the firehouse, he is very conscious of his hands. At this point, what do his hands symbolize? (reread the large paragraph on p. 105 to help you)





47. Beatty quotes a number of literary pieces to argue his point with Montag. Why is this ironic?




48. What is ironic about the end of Part II? Where does the “salamander” stop?

"Burning Bright"

49. Discuss the literary allusion used in the following: “Old Montag wanted to fly near the sun and now that he’s burnt his damn wings, he wonders why”(113). To whom is Beatty alluding and how is this mythological character like Montag?



50. Examine the paragraph on 119 (“And then he was a shrieking blaze...”) for style. First, what is going on in this paragraph? What is the tone of this paragraph? Choose some especially effective words and images which help support your tone. What literary devices does Bradbury use in this paragraph?



51. Discuss whether or not the beginning of section three is the climax of the novel or not. If you think it is the climax, how does all the action turn or change after these incidents? If not, then what is the climax of the novel?




52. What is the “Seashell” to which several characters are constantly referring? What does the use of this device say about the society of the novel?




53. On page 153, helicopters are compared to several things found in nature. To what are they compared and how are these similes ironic?




54. As a fugitive, what has Montag taken with him from his destroyed home? What does this tell you about what is important to him now? Where does he hide these and why?




55. When Montag gets to Faber’s house, Faber tells him, “I feel alive for the first time in years.” Why does he feel somehow reborn?




56. Explain the statement, “they say there’s lots of old Harvard degrees on the tracks between here and Los Angeles” (132).



57. Montag and Faber turn on the TV and there is news that a new Mechanical Hound will be tracking Montag and “this network is proud to have the opportunity to follow the Hound by camera helicopter as it starts on its way to the target” (133). What do we do today that is comparable to this? What does this say about us as a society?




58. Why is Montag so fascinated with watching his own escape on TV as he escapes? What is it about human beings that we all want our “15 minutes of fame?” Discuss this in light of modern reality shows and celebrity.




59. As Montag’s escape becomes a reality once he reaches the river, how does the tone of the novel change? Find words and phrases on pages 140 which support the tone you’ve chosen.




60. How is the river which Montag uses as a mode of escape symbolic? What epiphany does he have while on that river? (141)




61. The movement from the city to the country is best described in the paragraph on p. 144 (“There must have been a billion leaves on the land...”). What sense is used to draw this contrast? Why? Note your favorite example, and explain.




62. How is the fire in the country different from the fire in the city?




63. How do the city officials resolve the hunt for Montag? What does this tell you about the society? Do we do anything like this today?




64. What do the clan of forest dwellers have in common besides their photographic memories?



65. Discuss Granger’s comment: “That’s the wonderful thing about man; he never gets so discouraged or disgusted that he gives up doing it all over again, because he knows very well it is important and worth the doing.”



66. As Montag looks over the rebels in the daylight, he notices there is nothing “bright” or significant about them. Discuss the humor in the line, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”(155).





67. Reread Granger’s view on death (pp. 155-156). What do you think about the idea that when someone dies we are not crying for them, but for “all the things [they] did.” Do you agree or disagree?





68. “It doesn’t matter what you do...so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away.” How is Granger’s comment true for you? Have you, or someone you loved made a difference in this way?





69. What is Bradbury saying about war in this novel? Note especially pages 158-160.



70. How does the symbolism of fire change from the beginning to the end of the novel?





71. Discuss Granger’s reference to the Phoenix (page 163). What does it symbolize and how does it help the reader understand the theme of the novel?





72. Some readers think Montag is the “savior” of the book? What do you think? Reread Granger’s final words (bottom of 163 -164) to help support your response.






73. What “book” is Montag responsible for? Why is that significant? (note the allusion at the end of the book to help you)





74. What is the theme of the novel? List as many as you can think of and write a short response to the one you think is most valuable for us to heed today.






75. Why is this science fiction novel considered a classic? Why is science fiction a valuable genre?