Characters
Who is the protagonist of "Fahrenheit 451"?
Montag
What is a major theme in the novel?
Censorship. The suppression of ideas and literature.
Name one symbol present in Part I of the novel.
Fire, books, seashells, salamander, mechanical hound.
What event leads Montag to question his role as a fireman?
Meeting Clarisse, who asks him: "Are you happy?"
In what historical period was "Fahrenheit 451" published?
The early 1950s during the Cold War.
Who is Montag's fire chief (boss)?
Captain Beatty
Identify a theme related to technology in "Fahrenheit 451."
The negative impact of technology on society
What do books represent in "Fahrenheit 451"?
Knowledge, freedom of thought, and individuality.
Montag hides the stolen books under this household object.
Ventilator grille or Vent.
What real-life events influenced Ray Bradbury's writing of the novel?
During the Cold war at Bradbury's home country of the United States there was paranoia and fear due to censorship and brutal government investigations of those artists that were believed to be communist sympathizers. Also, the destruction of the Library of Alexandria and book-burning of Fascist regimes.
Who is Clarisse McClellan?
Montag's neighbor. The girl who opens Montag's eyes to the world they're living in.
Explain the theme of conformity versus individuality.
Characters like Montag represent what is to follow societal norms and Clarisse represents the power of following personal beliefs.
What does fire symbolize in Part I of the novel?
Destruction.
What happens to Clarisse?
She disappears without saying goodbye to Montag. She is declared dead by Mildren and Captain Beatty.
How did the invention of television impact American society during the time of the novel?
It contributed to a decline in reading and critical thinking.
What is Mildred obsessed with?
Technology and sleeping pills.
How does the theme of knowledge versus ignorance manifest in the story?
Once more Clarisse is a manifestation of the saying "knowledge is power" as well as Captain Beatty since he explains to Montag how their society came into existence. However, Mildred is an example of how dangerous ignorance can be since she's hollow inside-out.
This creature, seen on Montag’s uniform and firetruck, is a symbol of the firemen’s belief that they are immune to the destruction they cause.
The Salamander
After witnessing an old woman choose to die with her books, Montag begins to feel this about his job.
Guilt, sadness, doubt.
Discuss the relevance of "Fahrenheit 451" to modern society.
It reflects current issues of censorship, uncontrolled media consumption (social media platforms), lack of critical thinking, no interest in reading, unethical use of artificial intelligence, etc.
Name one complex character we met in Part I of the novel.
Montag
Clarisse
Discuss the theme of rebellion in "Fahrenheit 451."
Montag's journey from conformity (accepting what he's told) to questioning society.
Montag begins to question society when he realizes this warm symbol of the home feels cold and empty in his own life.
The Hearth. Hence the title of Part I of the novel.
Why is Montag afraid of the Mechanical Hound?
He believes the hound is hunting him. He believes one of his co-workers set-up the Mechanical Hound as a joke and that's why it growls at Montag.
How does the novel reflect fears about government control and surveillance?
It illustrates the dangers of a society that sacrifices freedom for security and comfort.