Plot Chart
What is the theme of the novel?
Censorship, dangers of technology, unhappiness.
What do light and darkness symbolize in the novel?
Dark symbolizes chaos and destruction.
Why does the Hound react strangely toward Montag?
He senses that Montag is guilty. Montag alludes to having hidden books in the beginning of the novel.
What does the epigram in the novel mean? "If they give you ruled paper, write the other way."
It is meant to be a challenge to authority.
How does Fahrenheit 451 compare to today's society?
It compares in terms of technology; people are too reliant and dependent on technology.
What is one of the events of the rising action of the novel?
What does the phoenix symbolize?
The phoenix symbolizes a new beginning.
How does Millie tell Montag Clarisse died? Why is this strange?
She says it nonchalantly. It's strange because she forgot to mention it.
How does Clarisse serve as a mirror for Montag?
She allows him to really look at himself and reflect on his life. She is the one who makes him realize that he is unhappy and his happiness is actually a facade.
What is one allusion in the novel?
Walt Whitman, Biblical allusions, Master Ridley, William Faulkner, Dante, Gulliver's Travels, Plato, Charles Darwin, Hercules, Ghandi, Christ; there are so many.
What is the exposition of the novel? Be specific.
The story is set in a futuristic world where firemen are to burn books. We meet Montag and Clarisse in the beginning. The book starts off with Montag talking about his pleasure to watch things burn.
What two things does fire symbolize in the novel?
Fire symbolizes both warmth and destruction.
Why are the characters so unconcerned with war?
There have been ongoing wars that they are just used to it.
What is Bradbury's warning in this novel?
He is telling people of the importance of reading and thinking. He says, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."
Also, he is warning people on the dangers of technology.
Why does Montag believe that Beatty wants to die?
He gave him the flamethrower to light up his house and Montag he made no effort to avoid the flames.
What is the climax of the novel?
When Montag is caught with the books and he is forced to burn his house down.
What does the salamander symbolize?
The salamanders symbolize the firemen because because salamanders were once believed to live in fire without being consumed by it
What book does Montag take from the woman's home?
The Bible.
In what ways are Mildred and Clarisse opposites?
Mildred represents light and Clarisse represents darkness.
Mildred affects Montag in a negative way whereas Clarisse affects him positively.
What is Bradbury's warning in this novel?
He is telling people of the importance of reading and thinking. He says, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."
Also, he is warning people on the dangers of technology.
What is the resolution of the story?
Montag meets men who are outcasts like him and together they embark on a journey to rebuild society.
What do the sieve and the sand represent?
The sand represents the knowledge that he seeks and the sieve represents his mind trying to grasp and retain this knowledge.
Why is Faber reluctant to help Montag with his plan?
He is a coward, he says so himself.
What type of character is Montag? Dynamic or static. Why?
Who is a static character?
Dynamic because he starts off doing as he is told and evolves into someone who stands up for what is right.
Mildred.
What three human institutions are criticized in this novel?
Marriage, family, and education.