Fahrenheit Four LITTY One- Guided Questions

To what does Bradbury compare the conversation of the "ladies"?

"They were like a monstrous crystal chandelier tinkling in a thousand chimes."

What metaphor does Bradbury use to describe the burning books? (page 1)

"While the flapping pigeon-winged books died on the porch and the lawn of the house."

Describe the atmosphere inside Montag's house.

dark, cold, quiet, empty

What approaching disaster is Faber counting on to give the intellectuals a chance to be heard?

the war

What device does Faber give Montag so they can communicate?

An ear piece no bigger than a bullet.

What example of TV propaganda is there in this section?

An example of TV propaganda was when they streamed Montag being chased by the police to the public.

What did Faber mean in the park, when he said, "I talk the meaning of things"? Why do you think Montag didn't turn Faber in then?

Faber gets in-depth about the things he talks about; I think Montag didn't turn Faber in, because he was bold, calm, and different.

Does Faber think the firemen are the only problem? Will making them look like traitors make everything else okay?

Faber does not think firemen are the only problem and making them look like traitors will not make everything else ok.

After Beatty's speech at the firehouse, what did Faber tell Montag?

Faber is telling Montag to think about what he is going to say to Beatty.

What old feeling came back to Montag as he burned his own house? Why?

tiredness, bewilderment, and outrage

What do you think Montag has hidden in his house?

Books

What descriptive words did Bradbury choose to give his readers a concise image of the firemen? (page 33) What image do you have of firemen?

Bradbury used words like "flushed" and "fevered." I imagine the firemen being tall, broad, slightly sunburned, and traces of ash and soot on their faces and hair.

How do books function like Caesar's praetorian guard?

Caesar had to be reminded he was mortal, because he was getting too arrogant. Like that, books remind us that we don't know everything.

Who does Montag meet on his way home?

Clarisse McClellan

What startling news did Mildred reveal?

Clarisse got run over by a car and died.

Who seemed to be directing Montag's remarks at the fire station? Why did his comments make the other firemen suspicious?

Clarisse seemed to be directing his thoughts at the fire station. It made Montag seem like he had books

How can the words in the books Montag is reading point to Clarisse?

Clarisse was wise and "ancient." Montag wants to find in the books where Clarisse found the knowledge she had.

For what "crimes" has Clarisse's uncle been arrested? What does this tell you about this society?

Driving too slow, and being a pedestrian. This tells you that this society is fast-paced.

What kinds of powers did Clarisse seem to have immediately over Montag?

Even before they met, Montag was curious of Clarisse. She seemed to draw him in.

Before going inside, what final question does Clarisse ask Montag?

"Are you happy?"

What is Clarisse's face like?

"Bright as snow in the moonlight," (page 4). "The girl's face was there, really quite beautiful in memory: astonishing in fact. She had a very thin face like the dial of a small clock seen faintly in a dark room...," (page 8).

Why is "He screamed. He screamed. He screamed!" so significant?

"He screamed!" was significant because, Montag is afraid of the Hound. The man that everyone thought was Montag was killed by the Hound. The man was screaming right before he died.

What fell down into the dust around the men?

"Montag watched the great dust settle and the great silence move down upon their world."

What metaphor did Bradbury use to describe the helicopters?

"The police helicopters were rising so far away that it seemed someone had blown the gray off a dry dandelion flower."

Describe the sounds and scents associated with Clarisse (page 4).

"There was the faintest breath of fresh apricots and strawberries in the air."

On pages 95-96, what "fire images" describe the ladies?

"the women who were burning with tension. Any moment they might hiss a long sputtering hiss and explode.

What had Montag expected to find in the men's faces?

"to burn and glitter with the knowledge they carried, to glow as lanterns glow, with the light in them."

What three things does Faber say are missing from a world without books?

1) quality of information 2) leisure to digest it 3) the right to carry out actions based on what we learn from the interaction of the first 2

What two announcements did Montag hear on the Seashell radio?

1. "Police Alert. Wanted: Fugitive in city. Has committed murder and crimes against the State. Name: Guy Montag. Occupation: Fireman." 2. "... watch for a man running... watch for the running man... watch for a man alone, one foot... watch..."

What do the rule books say about the Firemen of America? (page 34)

1. answer the alarm quickly 2. start the fire swiftly 3. burn everything 4. report back to the firehouse immediately 5. stand alert for other alarms

What did Granger give Montag to deter the Hound?

A drink that will make him smell differently.

What happened when Montag crossed the ten-lane highway?

A group of kids almost ran over him.

Who are the members of the group Montag meets in the woods? (p. 150) How do they think of themselves?

A group of people who also think books should be legal; They think of themselves as individuals.

Who is the mascot of the fire department? Describe who its victims are and how they are killed. (See page 25)

A mechanical dog, "the Hound." The Hound kills people who had the books in their house, the Hound injects the people with a certain drug.

What is ludicrous about a national fire department? What can you infer about the government from this?

A national fire department is unnecessary, instead each city or county needs a fire department. I can infer that the government wants to control a lot of things.

What happens when you put sand in a sieve?

A sieve is like a filter, so if you put sand in a sieve, it will just go through.

The next day, what disturbing statement did Clarisse make?

After she put the dandelion under his chin, she said, "What a shame. You're not in love with anyone."

What is the usual meaning of antisocial? How is the meaning reversed in this book?

Antisocial means not wanting the company of others; In the book, the meaning of antisocial is reversed.

Check the definition for the word "beatific." With whose name does this correlate? Why is he appropriately named in an ironic sort of way?

Beatific means blissful or happy; This correlates with Captain Beatty; This is ironic, because Beatty is not blissful or happy.

To what mythical creature did Beatty compare Montag? Why?

Beatty compares Montag to Icarus. Icarus was a mythical man that made wings out of wax. One day, he flew too close to the sun and his wings melted and he fell to the earth and died. Beatty said Montag flew too close to the sun.

What does the conversation with Beatty indicate?

Beatty talked to Montag about why books have to be burned. This indicates Beatty knows Montag a book.

What problem does Montag have regarding which book to turn in to Beatty?

Beatty think Montag only took one book, so he doesn't know which book to turn in.

What does Beatty's treatment of the old woman tell you about his character?

Beatty treated the old woman poorly, it shows Beatty is impatient and disrespectful.

Montag realized that Beatty wanted to die. What explanation can you give for this?

Beatty wanted to die, because he didn't try to get out of the flame thrower's way. Instead of moving, he just stood there, getting Montag angry enough to kill him.

How does Faber see himself? How does faber see Montag?

Faber sees himself as a coward, because he never stood up and fought for keeping the books. Faber sees Montag as brave, because he wants to read books, and he is risking his life to do it.

Where was Faber when the bombs hit?

Faber was on the bus to St. Louis.

Beatty tried to make Montag doubt his newly emerging self by quoting some famous authors. Discuss the meaning of the quotes he uses and explain how they contradict each other.

First, Beatty says that we need knowledge, then says knowledge is bad. Then, he talks about a dream where he and Montag argued about knowledge. The quotes made Montag confused.

Describe the plan Montag and Faber devise.

First, they make copies of the books they have. Then, they place the books in firemen's houses, so they will get arrested. So, if all the firemen are in jail, there is no one to burn books.

Why did Granger want Montag to lead them back to the city? How does Granger view Montag?

Granger let Montag lead them back into the city, because Montag was already ahead them; Granger views Montag as courageous.

What did Montag carry with him as he rode the subway to see Faber? What did he will himself to do?

He carried The Bible; he willed himself to read it.

To what does Bradbury compare the scene at Montag's house?

He compared it to a carnival.

What did Beatty discover when he hit Montag? Because of the discovery, what did Beatty threaten to do?

He discovered the ear piece (the green bullet); Beatty threatened to turn in his friend too.

What reasons did Beatty give for burning the books?

He explained that everyone wants to be happy. For that to happen, they had to eliminated all the bad things, including books. Books were bad because some of them made certain groups of people unhappy.

What fantasy did Montag enjoy as he drifted along?

He fantasized living in a barn in the country, away from all the people and noise.

What bothered Montag about his hands?

He feels like his hands have done wrong.

Of what "dreadful surprise" did Montag suddenly become aware?

He has to face the consequences of having books.

What will Faber be going on the 5:00 A.M. bus?

He is going to see a retired printer in St. Louis.

What answers does Montag give to Mildred's question, "Why should I read? What for?"

He mentions the night at the hospital where they cured Mildred, and the woman who burned with her books, and Clarisse McClellan.

How did Montag stop the noise of the TV and the women?

He pulled the switch in the parlor wall.

How did Beatty describe Clarisse?

He said Clarisse was a "do-gooder" that made other people feel guilty.

Why did Granger say they should build a mirror factory first?

He says they should build a mirror factory, because he wants his society to "take a look at itself." He doesn't want society to make the same mistakes it did before

Why does Montag think of the old man in the park?

He thought of the old man in the park, because he knew the old man had knowledge of books.

Why did Granger tell Montag the story about his grandfather?

He told Montag the story of his grandfather, because it shows that everyone leaves something behind when they die.

What did Montag say to Mrs. Bowles just before she left? Why?

He told her to go home and think about her husbands, children, abortions, and C sections, and then he said, "Go home and think about how it all happened and what did you ever do to stop it?" He says this to make them think about their lives (and are they satisfied with it?).

Why was Montag at first afraid to run?

He was afraid that the Hound would catch him and kill him.

Why was Granger swearing and crying?

He was swearing and crying, because the city got bombed and there was nothing left of it.

What things did Montag think about as he drifted down the river?

He was thinking about what he needed: time to think, food, and a plan.

How does Bradbury indicate that a week has passed? (page 28)

He writes, "One two three four five six seven days."

Faber says Beatty "may be one of us"? Do you think it's possible? Give reasons for your opinion.

I don't think Beatty is "one of them". I think so, because he persuaded to not read books. If he was "one of them", wouldn't he do the opposite?

Why do you think Bradbury chose to have Beatty die as he did?

I think Bradbury had Beatty die the way he did to show irony. Beatty's job was to burn houses, and then he burned to death.

Look up the word "grange" in the dictionary. Do you think Bradbury thought about this before he chose Granger's name? What connotations does the name have?

I think Bradbury thought before he chose the name "Granger" for this character; The connotations I thought of for the name Granger is: farm, woods, (and organization, political, and cultural for "The Grange")

Do you think Montag is in love with Mildred? If so, what proof can you give?

I think Montag is not in love with Mildred.

Now that the city is destroyed, what does fire stand for?

I think fire stands for rebirth.

How did the Hound "not touch the world"?

I think the Hound "not touching the world" represents Montag's guilt. The guilt is not physically touching the world. And, the guilt is silent, yet it builds up and follows you, just like the Hound.

Do you think the fire the men built to cook the bacon might have been built for other reasons as well?

I think the fire was only meant for cooking bacon. I didn't see anything symbolic or meaningful about it.

Why do you think the poem made Mrs. Phelps cry? What was Mrs. Bowles reaction? Mildred's?

I think while Montag was reading, Mrs. Phelps was thinking about her unsatisfactory life; Mrs. Bowles was angry; Mildred was trying to calm them down.

Were you surprised that the Salamander stopped at Montag's house? What do you think will happen next?

I was surprised when the Salamander stopped at Montag's house. I think they will burn it and Montag will get arrested.

How do the [names] Stoneman and Black tell us something about them?

I would associate the names Stoneman and Black with something strong and destructive

Clarisse describes herself as "insane." Does she seem insane to you?

In her society, she would be considered insane, because she has thoughts and ask questions. she doesn't seem insane to me.

Why was the Book of Job an appropriate one for Faber to read to Montag?

In the Book of Job, God puts Job through tests to see if he does the right thing. Now, Montag has to do the right thing (bring books back). In Montag's journey, he will face tests, just like Job did.

How is the legend of the phoenix related to the story? (page 163)

In the legend of the Phoenix, the bird burned himself in a pyre, but then he sprang out of the ashes and was born again. Granger said they were doing the exact same thing.

How was the fire in the woods different from the fires Montag was used to?

In the woods, fire was used for warmth; Montag is used to fire being used as way to annihilate books.

When Montag arrives at Faber's, how does he act differently than he did during his last visit there?

In this visit to Faber's house, you see the 'inner Montag'.

What effect does the announcement of the impending war have on the firemen?

It didn't have an effect on anyone.

According to Faber, how has religion changed?

It has evolved from the teachings in the books (like the Bible), to what people see on TV.

Why is it appropriate that war is finally declared at this point in the novel? How does this correlate with the inner Montag and his relationship with society?

It is appropriate for the war to start here in the novel, because it gives this society a chance to change. This correlates with the inner Montag, because he wants to change society.

Why is it appropriate that the "Denham's Dentrifrice" commercial kept interfering with Montag's reading of the Bible?

It represents the sand and the sieve. Montag can't focus on reading the Bible without being interrupted by the Dentrifrice commercial. Like it's not possible to fill a sieve with sand, it's not possible to read while other thoughts are going through your head.

What purpose is served by the anecdote about the Seattle fireman's suicide?

It shows that there are other people in his society that thinks burning books is wrong.

Why was the alarm at the old woman's house so "inconvenient"?

It was inconvenient, because the woman refused to leave the house, she wanted to be burned.

Who turned in the alarms?

Mildred and her friends.

How do Mildred's comments and actions show she's never going to understand what Montag is trying to tell her?

Mildred can't look away from the TV long enough to understand Montag, much less read a book.

How did Mildred deal with her feelings after the ladies left?

Mildred is taking pills.

What new "game" did the police invent?

That everyone opens a door or window, and try to find Montag running.

What attempt did Mildred make to save Montag from being a complete fool?

Mildred told the ladies that a fireman can bring a book home once a year to show people how silly they are.

What is especially ironic about the search for Montag?

Montag can watch himself being searched (via TV) by the police.

Did Montag want Mildred to die in the bomb blast? How did he picture her?

Montag did not want Mildred to die in the blast; He pictured her in a hotel room, watching TV.

What two people has Montag become? What does he see as the final outcome of acquiring this dual personality?

Montag has been a person who never thought twice while burning books. Now, he wants to read books. The outcome is not good- he gets caught keeping books at his house.

Why is it appropriate that water carried Montag away from the city?

Montag has been used to fire his whole life, now he is being carried away by water (the opposite of fire).

Who is Montag? How does he feel about his job?

Montag is a fireman. In this book, firemen start fires instead of putting them out. Montag enjoys his job.

What Biblical verse was Montag saving for their arrival in the city? Why?

Montag is saving Revalation 22: 2 for their arrival in the city. Revalation 22 (the last chapter of the last book of the Bible) talks about the Garden of Eden being restored. Back in Genesis, us humans ruined the Garden of Eden when we disobeyed God. In the end, the last day on earth, the Garden is recreated. Alike to the Bible, the people of Fahrenheit 451 ruined their society by burning books. After their city is destroyed, Montag comes and brings books back. He saves this verse, because it talks about restoration, which he is going to do for the city.

What did Montag mean by "We never burned right..."? What kind of burning might he consider right?

Montag meant that they shouldn't have been burning books. Maybe burning TVs instead could be considered right.

Why is Montag unafraid of the risk of stealing more books?

Montag says he has nothing to lose, so he can risk anything he wants.

Beatty explains why the Hound can't "dislike" Montag. Compare how the two characters perceive the Hound.

Montag sees the Hound as an animal that wants to hurt him. Beatty sees the Hound as just an object that helps do his job.

Montag's feelings about Mildred and his life with her are changing. What is he beginning to think and feel? (page 42-46)

Montag thinks the people on Mildred's television programs are "putting up walls." She is so distracted with the characters, she doesn't want to talk to her husband.

Why did Faber tell Montag to stop reading and shouting?

Montag was scaring the ladies, and Faber doesn't want Montag to get in trouble for reading a book to the ladies.

Granger welcomes Montag to the group and asks him what he has to offer. What is Montag's reply? Why is he worried?

Montag's reply is, "Nothing. I thought I had a part of the book Ecclesiastes and maybe a little of Revalation, but I haven't even that now."; He is worried because he doesn't remember what the books say.

Describe school in the world of Fahrenheit 451. How do students amuse themselves after school and on weekends? (see pages 29-30)

Most people don't ask questions at her school, they just give the answers to the students; After school and on the weekends, the students go to Fun Park or Car Wrecker or Window Smasher.

How does Mrs. Phelps feel about her children? Does Mrs. Bowles agree?

Mrs. Phelps doesn't have any children, she thinks someone would be crazy to want to have children; Mrs. Bowles disagrees.

What did Mrs. Phelps say about her husband going off to war?

Mrs. Phelps says, "The Army called Pete yesterday. He'll be back next week. The army said so. Quick war. Forty-eight hours they said, and everyone home."

Does Clarisse have any friends? Why or why not?

No, because she's afraid of the kids her own age.

Is the country [America] at peace?

No, because the radio said a war could break out any hour.

What "snap ending" had to be created for the "chase show" on TV?

The "snap ending" was fake. The "case show" just showed a random man walking on the street and claimed it was Montag.

What makes Clarisse's family different from the others in the neighborhood?

They talk and truly listen to each other, which is rare in this society.

What kinds of things does Clarisse do that seem so pleasant? (See page 28)

She likes to watch people. She looks at them and listens to them and figures out what they want or where they're going.

What had Mildred done?

She overdosed on her medication (she took about 30-40 capsules).

Why did Mildred want Montag to read "Dover Beach"?What is her opinion of the poem? Why was it a good poem for Montag to read?

She picked "Dover Beach", so the ladies would think books are complex and silly; it was a good poem for Montag to read because the ladies' wouldn't understand it

What did Mildred regret losing in the fire?

She regrets losing her 'family'- the TV.

How does Mildred react to Montag's reading?

She thinks that reading is pointless and Montag is wasting his time.

How does Mildred pass the time?

She watches TV

Which of Montag's senses came alive on the land? Why is this important?

Sound, sight, and smell; After leaving the city, where he left his old life behind, most of his senses have "come alive."

What did Granger's grandfather mean when he said, "I hate a Roman named Status Quo!"?

Status Quo means the current states of things. Granger's grandfather meant don't let the bad things that are happening now get you down. After that he said, "Stuff your eyes with wonder. Live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds."

How does the Hound react to Montag? What is Montag afraid of?

The Hound growls at Montag; Montag is afraid of being killed by him.

How did Montag's leg become a "numbness in a numbness hollowed in a numbness"?

The Hound injected his leg with a needle that released drugs into it.

What did the blast cause Montag to remember?

The blast caused Montag to remember where he and Mildred met (Chicago).

Outline the general plan of the book people [Granger and the others].

The book people all have photographic memories, so they memorize books, and then burn them, so they don't get caught. They live outside of the city to keep themselves and their knowledge safe. Then, they just wait until the war is over, until books can be written again.

How do the conversations Montag has with Clarisse differ from those he has with Mildred?

The conversations Montag has with Clarisse are more meaningful and inquisitive than the ones he has with Mildred.

Compare the "handymen" at the hospital with today's health care workers. From their conversation, can you tell if suicide attempts are common? What could be the reason for this?

The handymen at the hospital are not as concerned with Montag's wife, but they are faster than today's health care workers; Based on their conversation, I can tell suicides are common; The reason for this could be that the health care workers can take care of it efficiently and fast, so to the people attempting suicide don't think it's that serious.

Why did Beatty choose to say the lines from Shakespeare? (page 119)

The lines Beatty said were from Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar. In the play, Brutus spoke those lines saying he is not afraid of Cassius because he knows he is right. In Fahrenheit, Beatty isn't afraid of Montag because he knows he is right.

What did Montag's own desperate flight remind him of?

The movies he had watched on TV.

What incredible thing did the men see from the woods?

They saw the bomb strike the city.

Describe the TV program the ladies watched. Does it remind you of anything in our world?

The program the ladies watched was violent. The people on the show hurt and killed each other. This reminded me of Tom and Jerry.

What did the river give to Montag? (page 140)

The river gave Montag time to clean himself and change clothes.

What was the "special silence that was concerned with all of the world"?

The silence at the fire.

Why did the old woman quote Latimer (page 36)?

The woman quoted what Latimer said to Ridley when they were being burned alive in 1555. Not much later that woman was burned alive.

On what did the ladies base their Presidential votes?

They based their votes on appearance.

How do Mrs. Bowles' children feel about her?

They don't love her.

What one thing were the men sure of?

They were sure books were going to be needed again.

How does this society view animal life? What is Montag's reaction to the game the firemen play with the Hound? What would your reaction be?

This society thinks animals have no purpose so they are killed in a game they play with the Hound; Montag doesn't think the game is amusing; I think there is no reason to kill animals for a game.

Discuss the symbolic meaning of "the men all moved their hands, putting out the fire together.

This statement is symbolic, because instead of starting a fire, Montag is putting out one.

Montag intuitively knew what?

To follow the abandoned train tracks.

What do you think the title of Part Two [The Sieve and the Sand] means?

When Montag was little, he tried to fill up a sieve with sand, but it wasn't possible. Now, Montag is trying to memorize the entire Bible in a couple hours, which also isn't possible. So, I think it means trying to accomplish the impossible.

How does Montag feel after Clarisse disappears?

When he found out before going to sleep, he was disturbed, then he woke up the next morning and felt sick.

What creature terrified Montag when he stepped onto land?

a deer

Who comes sniffing around the door as Montag is reading?

a dog

Bradbury was describing a typed of conflict when he wrote that Montag "felt his body divide." What is this kinds of conflict called?

internal conflict - man vs self

Instead of water, what does the fire hose spray?

kerosene