Characters
Who is Montag, and what is his job?
Our main character, a fireman in the book who starts to doubt his profession.
Name the word that matches this definition: comparing two things using “like” or “as."
Simile
Which word means: eat a large amount greedily; fill oneself with food?
a. hearth
b. gorging
c. stammering
d. venomous
b. gorging
What happened to Mildred at the start of the book?
She tried to commit suicide and was revived by the operators.
At the beginning of the book, how does Montag feel about his job?
He loves it.
Who is Mildred?
Montag's wife
Name the word that matches this definition: a way of using words to convey a message that is not literal, including metaphors, similes, personification, etc.
Figurative language
Which word means this: the floor of a fireplace?
a. stolid
b. venom
c. hearth
d. chimney
c. hearth
What do the firemen do for a living, and why is it ironic?
They burn books. It is ironic because in today's society, firemen extinguish fires rather than start them.
What does Montag realize about himself after his first interaction with Clarisse?
He isn't actually happy.
Who is Clarisse, and what did she ask Montag that stuck with him?
The 17-year-old girl Montag met on the street. She asked him if he was happy.
Name the word that matches this definition: the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
Diction
Which of the following means this: (of a person) calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation?
a. stolid
b. raucous
c. oblivious
d. melancholy
a. stolid
Who ultimately set the fire in the house, and how did it happen?
The old lady set the fire. The "firemen" had doused the house in kerosene, and the old lady, refusing to leave, lit a match and dropped it, causing the fire.
What is the Mechanical Hound? How does it react to Montag? Name one thing they use it for.
The mechanical hound is a robot dog/killing machine. It reacts aggressively to Montag. They use it to get rid of cats, chickens, and other animal pests. They also use it as a form of entertainment when they bet on what animal it will kill first.
Who is Beatty?
Montag's boss, the firehouse captain.
Name the word that matches this definition: the way in which the author reveals a character’s personality and values.
Characterization
What word means this: related to the sense of smell?
olfactory
How does Mildred spend her days?
Entertaining herself with various forms of technology: the parlor walls, Seashells, etc.
What is the line in the book that Montag "accidentally" read?
Once upon a time
Who does Clarisse always talk about, and what is one thing that has happened to him?
Her uncle. He has been arrested for being a pedestrian and for going below the speed minimum. He likes to sit around and just talk.
Name the word that matches this definition: an indirect reference, often to a person, event, statement, theme, or other works of art.
Allusion
What words means: the nose or mouthpart of an animal or insect, especially when it is long and flexible like the trunk of an elephant?
proboscis
How does the contrasting characterization of Clarisse and Mildred introduce Bradbury's theme of technology? What message does it communicate? Explain.
Clarisse and Mildred have contrasting relationships with technology. While Mildred is constantly entertaining herself with technology, Clarisse places little importance on technology and instead focuses on the smaller things in life, like the rain, the flowers, and the people she cares about. Because of technology, Mildred's relationship with Montag suffers greatly, while Clarisse seems to have healthy, strong relationships with her family and a budding friendship with Montag. Bradbury is communicating the message that technology gets in the way of human relationships and bonds.
Who was the "first fireman," according to the captain?
Benjamin Franklin