Diminished value for knowledge and education
About the book
Characteristics
100

What does the burning of books symbolize in Fahrenheit 451?

It represents the government's control over information to keep people from questioning things. 

100

What does Clarisse McClellan question Montag about in Fahrenheit 451? 

His happiness

100

Who is Guy Montag

He is the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, a fireman, and the husband of Mildred.

200

What makes Montag start questioning the importance of books and knowledge?

After meeting Clarisse he begins to question himself

200

How did the fireman know which houses had the books?

The neighbors told the firehouse if someone had the books

200

What is Montag's job? What does he do?

Montag's job as a fireman is to burn banned books. He does this by using igniter and kerosene.

300

How does Mildred's attitude toward books and education reflect the society she lives in?

Her attitude shows how the society values entertainment over learning. 


300

Why did Montag kill captain Beatty?

He took Montag's earpiece and threatened to track down Faber.

300

What is the mechanical hound? What does it do and what is it's purpose?

The mechanical hound is a robot dog. Its purpose is to hunt down and kill those with burned books. It has a steel needle that injects morphine and is programmable.

400

What role do things like the "parlor walls" play in stopping people from thinking deeply or learning new things?

They keep people from learning because they fill their minds with mindless entertainment.

400

What lie did captain Beatty tell Montag?

Fireman never used to prevent fires.

400

Who is captain Beatty and why does he believe books should be banned?

Captain Beatty is the captain of the fireman. He believes books should be banned because he doesn't believe in other sources of knowledge.

500

What is missing from the education system in the novel compared to our own?

There are no real knowledge or education, and people are taught to avoid questioning authority.

500

What does the river represent in the story?

 Montag's escape and rebirth, as he leaves his old life behind and begins a new journey of self-discovery.

500

Who is Clarisse McClellan

A seventeen year-old girl who moves next door to Montag. She seen as curious and an outcast in society.