Plot/Structure
What central theme is represented by the outlawing of books?
What is censorship?
Why does Clarisse make such an impact on Montag?
What is she’s curious, thoughtful, and different from society?
What theme is illustrated by Montag's growing curiosity and rebellion?
What is individualism vs. conformity?
What does the salamander symbolize in relation to firemen and their role?
What is the myth that it survives fire, symbolizing immunity to destruction?
What is Bradbury using when he compares books to birds?
What is metaphor?
What narrative technique does Bradbury use to reveal Montag’s internal conflict early in the novel?
What is stream of consciousness or internal monologue?
Why does Montag initially begin reading the books he stole?
What is out of confusion and a desire for meaning beyond his empty life?
What larger societal danger is Bradbury warning against through mass media’s influence?
What is intellectual complacency and loss of critical thinking?
Why are books compared to birds during the burning scenes?
What is to highlight the loss of freedom, beauty, and life?
How does Bradbury use irony in Montag’s role as a “fireman”?
What is firemen create fires rather than extinguish them?
What turning point definitively marks Montag's break from society?
What is when he burns Beatty and becomes a fugitive?
What is Captain Beatty’s contradictory relationship with books?
What is he’s well-read but enforces censorship?
How does Fahrenheit 451 critique the idea of “happiness” as defined by this society?
What is it shows happiness as shallow distraction rather than meaningful fulfillment?
What does the Mechanical Hound represent in the context of the state’s power?
What is unthinking violence?
How does Bradbury use technology as a symbol throughout the novel?
What is to critique how it can be used to control, distract, and isolate people?
What makes Clarisse’s question, “Are you happy?” so important?
What is it’s the first time Montag questions his life?
What is the function of Clarisse as a character in the narrative?
What is she’s a catalyst or foil?
How is fear used as a tool of control in the novel?
What is through technology, surveillance, and social pressure to discourage dissent?
How does the river function symbolically in Montag’s escape?
What is it represents purification, transformation, and rebirth?
What effect does Bradbury create by giving Montag frequent internal monologues?
What is it shows his inner conflict and growing awareness?
What is the meaning of Granger’s story about the Phoenix?
What is humanity keeps destroying itself but has the power to begin again?
How do Faber’s fears and regrets shape the advice he gives Montag?
What is he feels guilty for staying silent in the past and wants Montag to succeed?
How does the novel portray knowledge and ignorance?
What is it portrays knowledge as dangerous to power, while ignorance ensures compliance?
How does Fahrenheit 451 portray the relationship between destruction and renewal?
What is destruction clears space for rebirth, seen through fire, war, and the Phoenix symbol?
Why does Bradbury choose to make Beatty so well-read, even though he burns books?
What is to show how knowledge can be twisted or ignored in favor of power?