Characters and Relationships
Clarisse McClellan
What is the Mechanical Hound designed to do?
Track down and attack people who break society's rules.
What is Montag's occupation?
He is a fireman who burns books.
Clarisse mentions how Montag reeks of kerosene. He makes the comment that "You never wash it off completely." What is he actually talking about?
What does Captain Beatty reveal about himself through his knowledge of books?
He has extensive knowledge of literature and understands the ideas found in books.
What are three ways Clarisse is different from Mildred?
Clarisse is curious, enjoys nature, and likes meaningful conversations. Mildred is focused on technology, entertainment, and superficial activities.
What technology does Mildred use to listen to entertainment while going to sleep?
Seashell radio earbuds
Why is Montag's job ironic compared to traditional firemen?
What does fire symbolize throughout the novel?
Destruction, censorship, and the suppression of knowledge.
What does the Mechanical Hound's reaction to Montag suggest?
It seems to recognize something unusual about Montag or view him as suspicious.
What does Mildred spend most of her day doing?
Watching television, listening to her Seashell radios, and participating in entertainment.
Why does society consider Clarisse "anti-social"?
She asks questions, thinks independently, enjoys nature, and prefers conversations instead of mindless entertainment.
What do the firemen use to destroy books?
Kerosene and flamethrowers
Why does Mildred need help when Montag gets home?
She overdosed and needs help to get the pills out of her body.
Why is the old woman's decision to remain with her books important?
It demonstrates how much she values books, knowledge, and the ideas they represent.
Who does Mildred consider her "family"?
The people on the television parlor walls.
How is Montag's home different from Clarisse's home? Give two differences.
Montag's home is quiet, isolated, and dominated by technology. Clarisse's home is warm, social, and filled with conversation.
What temperature does the title Fahrenheit 451 represent?
The temperature at which book paper burns.
What does the phoenix symbolize?
Destruction followed by rebirth and renewal.
According to Beatty, why were books eventually eliminated from society?
Society wanted to avoid controversy, offense, and differences of opinion so everyone would feel equal.
What happens to Clarisse, and how does Montag learn about it?
She is reportedly hit and killed by a car. Mildred casually tells Montag about her death.
What is on major criticism Bradbury makes about modern society through the novel?
Society relies too heavily on technology and entertainment while discouraging independent thinking and meaningful relationships.
What does Montag take from the old woman's house during a fire?
A book
How does Bradbury use the Mechanical Hound as foreshadowing?
Its threatening behavior toward Montag hints that he may eventually become a target of the society he serves.
Given Mildred's depiction of her "family", how does Mildred feel about her real life with Montag?
She is sad/depressed and wants to escape it by being put into her favorite shows where everything is perfect.