Part 1
1. Describe the society (a fictional America) that Montag lives in. In what ways is it similar to, but more extreme than, our society? What signs are there that it is a “dystopia” (the opposite of a utopia, an ideal society)?- The society that they live in is kind of similar to ours now. People are always in there own little world but people do also talk to one another more than in the book. People in the book have no concern for anyone but themselves but in the real world we do care for one another to a certian degree. The sign that it is a dytopia is that no one communicates person the person in there.
2. What makes Clarisse so special — so different from most people in her society? What qualities does Montag have that make him receptive to her influence?
- Clarisse is speacial because she is differant from everyone else, she has compation and she cares for others and she actually socializes with her family. Montag cares what she has to say and values her opinion. And he likes that she is differant.
3. Why do you think the mechanical hound has been programmed to react to Montag?
-Because Montag is different and unique and not like the normal firemen. Also that fact the the catian knows that he is reading.
4. Why do you think the woman chooses to burn herself along with her books? Why does this have suc h a powerful effect on Montag — what does it mean to him?
-The old woman chose to burn herself along with her books because she would rather die then see them being burned. They held much more meaning. It has a powerful effect because if she's willing to die for books then they have to hold some kind of knowledge of importance.
5. What is the point of Bradbury’s description of the kind of television show that Mildred likes to watch (p. 44 - 46)? [“ sound and fury, signifying nothing”
-The point is to show the reader that she would rather watch someone that's useless then talk with her husband. At least that's how their society is described as.
6. What is shocking and disturbing about the way Montag finds out what happened to Clarisse? What does this tell us about Mildred and about their society?
- Montag finds out through his wife. Mildred doesn't have any emotion towards Clarisse dying. I suppose that's the same with the society.
7. Why does Montag get “sick” and try to avoid going to work?
- He is thinking about the old lady that wanted to be burned alive with her books. He also wants to read the books he has stolen.
8. What does the revelation that Montag has so many books hidden in his home tell us about him? Why do Montag’s hands seem to have a mind of their own — what does this actually mean?
-Montag is a curious person and also not like the society. It means that his hands are like what he wants to do, but his mind says what society wants him to think.
9. What is Beatty’s explanation for the current state of their society?
-Beatty says that society didn't want books. He says that it made them think, and they became angry at books.
10. What do you think of Mildred’s claim that she is happy, and why? How do you define happiness? Is being happy always the most important goal of life?
-I think that she actually is because she doesn't know any better. Happiness is having no worries and being in a state of appreciation for everything. I believe it is the most important goal because being rich, or having the best paying job is fine and dandy, but if you're not happy it's a life that's wasted.
11. What events trigger Montag’s transformation from aloof, unthinking fireman to passionate, philosophical rebel?
-The main event I can remember is when Clarisse asked Montag "Are you happy? " The old lady wanting to be burned with her books and also that Beatty could quote some books. These all show how he's changed.
12. Find three examples of foreshadowing in Part 1.
1. Mechanical hound
2. Ventilator grill
3. When montag comes home and finds his wife overdosed
13. Like Hemingway, Bradbury sometimes writes in an elliptical style, giving us bits of information from which we must infer what is happening, what the characters are thinking and feeling. Find one example of this in Part 1.
- When Montag talkes about the overdose his wife had. He is feeling angry and scared all at once.
14. Choose one paragraph or passage from Part 1 that is an example of Bradbury’s unusual writing style (e.g. p. 17/18, p. 24) and interpret its meaning.
- on page 17/18 he says things like "... One Clarisse. Two mildred. Three unlle. Four fire. One mildred, two clarisse. One, two, three, four, five clarisse..." What this is, is him falling asleep and everything in his mind is just jumping around and he is thinking of a several things at once.
15. What predictions might you make about later events in the story?
- I think that maybe later in the story Montag will finally snap. He may kill someone or he may be protecting himself and possibly he will make a differance in the world.
Part 2
1. What does Mildred say about why the television is better than books? What does she mean? Do you agree with her? Why or why not? What is the essential difference between books and television?
- Mildred says that the books make her think too much. She means that it's easier to watch something rather then reading. I don't agree I like reading about things that happen as well as watching. Books you read and television you watch and don't have to think that much.
2. Why do you think Faber gave Montag his name and phone number?
- Faber gave montag his name and number just incase montag go angry with him. He wanted him to tell him.
3. How do you think Montag would respond to Mildred’s question about which is more important — her, or Montag’s books?
- I think he would respond by saying ~who is more imprortany me or the parlor wall?
4. What do you think is the meaning of the title of Part Two (“The Sieve and the Sand”)?
- He isnt keeping all the information is what i think it means. He is the sieve and the info is the sand.
5. Why does Montag visit Faber?
- Montag goes to his complex and tells him to let him in. He is being very forceful.
6. What does Montag mean when he tells Faber that his wife is dying?
- He means that she is empty. That she is like nothing inside, emotionless.
7. What three things does Faber say are missing from their society? Explain the importance of these things.
- He says quality, leisure, and the right to take action on one and two.
8. What has Faber invented, and why is it important?
- He invented a radio to comunicate(the sea shell). It made it so they could talk without being in the same room.
9. What disturbing things do the women in Montag’s parlor say to each other?
- That there children are a burdon and that they are like laundery. They say u can just throw them in the room snd turn the switch.
10. Why does Montag start reading poetry to the women? How do they react, and why?
- Because he needs to cover his tracts so the woman dont know he actually reads and the woman are very distraut and falling apart because they have to think.
11. What does Beatty say to Montag after he shows up at the firehouse? What is he trying to do? What does he know about Montag that gives him an advantage?
- Betty said here comes a very strange beast which in all tongues is called a fool He also throws him quotes fron books trying to confuse him. Beatty knows that he had a certain book.
