F541: The Sieve and the Sand Part I
The following quote is a metaphor. What does the sand represent? What's the idea behind the metaphor?
The sand represents knowledge. The idea is that gaining knowledge is very difficult and frustrating for Montag. He hasn't learned how to read and retain information, so he struggles with the books.
What plan do Montag & Faber come up with?
They are going to copy and print books, and then place them in the homes of the fireman to make them look guilty. They will do this to bring down the system from the inside; to have the salamander devour its own tail".
Is Faber afraid of Montag?
Yes. Faber is "trembling" around Montag and protests that he hasn't done anything when Montag arrives. He was afraid of Montag and his power as a fireman.
Is Montag afraid of Captain Beatty?
Yes. He is worried that Captain Beatty is suspicious of him and might find out about the books he has been holding onto.
According to Faver, what are the three things missing in society? Explain
1. Quality of information: Books should have real, meaningful content, which is researched able to withstand scrutiny and touch on real life. Information needs to be high quality, uncensored, and not watered down 2. Choice of intelligent entertainment: People need less meaningless distraction. They need time to read, think, engage, discuss. There are too many easy, mindless forms of entertainment that don't require anyone to actually think. 3. The right to have individual thoughts: Even if someone's thoughts are opposite of popular opinion, they should be able to make decisions based on their individual opinion. People shouldn't be oppressed for their beliefs or for thinking critically.
What's a synonym for 'receptacle'?
Container, holder
Who said the following quote and what does he mean? "Books were only one type of receptacle where we stored a lot of things we were afraid we might forget. There is nothing magical in them, at all. The magic is only in what the books say, how they stitched the patches of the universe together in one garment for us."
Faber said it. He means that books are not the only way we can store and pass on knowledge. Knowledge is what is important, not the books themselves. Books help us make sense of the complexity of the world.
Who is Faber? Why does Montag turn to him?
He is a retired college English professor that Montag met once in a park. Montag turns to him to get help interpreting and understanding the books.
What are Montag's thoughts about the books?
He sees books as a way to work out things he doesn't understand about life and looks to them to get answers and knowledge when he's confused.
Does Montag find the answers he is looking for in the books?
It's complicated. He suspects that the books have valuable knowledge but he struggles to understand them and find the answers he's looking for.
What are Mildred's thoughts about the books?
She doesn't see any value in books as they can't entertain her like other things. They aren't interactive, they take work to understand, they are boring.
