Characters
Who is Montag’s wife?
Mildred
What illegal activity does Montag do that starts his transformation?
He reads a book.
What does fire symbolize in the novel?
Destruction and rebirth
“It was a pleasure to burn.” Who says this?
Montag (narrator)
Name one way Montag’s world is different from ours.
People are not allowed to read, everyone watches TV constantly, or free thought is discouraged
Who is the fire chief who believes in burning books?
Captain Beatty
What happens to Montag’s wife in Part I?
She tries to commit suicide.
What is the main theme topic of Fahrenheit 451?
Censorship, knowledge vs. ignorance
“We need not to be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while.” Who says this?
Montag
How does the parlor wall affect the people in the novel?
It distracts them and prevents critical thinking
Who teaches Montag about the importance of books?
Faber
Who turns Montag in to the authorities?
Mildred and her friends
What do the “parlor walls” symbolize?
Mindless entertainment / government control
“My ‘family’ is people. They tell me things: I laugh, they laugh! And the colors!”
Mildred
Why is Montag curious about books? How is that different from most people?
He seeks knowledge and understanding, unlike others who are entertained and passive
Who is the young neighbor girl who inspires Montag to question society?
Clarisse
What major event destroys Montag’s city?
A nuclear war/bombing
What does the Phoenix represent?
Rebirth / cyclical nature of society
“I don’t talk things, sir. I talk the meaning of things. I sit here and know I’m alive.”
Faber
Give one example of a symbol in the novel and explain its meaning.
Fire = destruction/rebirth; Phoenix = cyclical hope; books = knowledge/freedom
Who leads the “book people” Montag meets at the end?
Granger
How does Montag escape the Mechanical Hound?
He uses the river to cover his scent
How does Montag’s transformation reflect the theme of individuality?
“If you don’t want a man unhappy politically, don’t give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none.”
Beatty
What modern “parlor wall” could distract people today?
Smartphones, social media, video games, or TV