Fahrenheit 451 Plot Points
How did Montag escape the mechanical hound?
He hid his scent by going through the river.
What do books symbolize in the novel?
Knowledge, freedom, individuality
What does Harrison do with the ballerina?
Removes her handicaps and dances with her
What happens to the person selected by the lottery?
They are stoned to death by the townspeople
What makes Leonard Mead different from others in the city?
He walks and doesn't watch TV like everyone else
Who reported Montag's house to the firemen?
Mildred
What is the fireman's symbol?
a salamander
Who are Harrison’s parents?
George and Hazel Bergeron
Who ends up being selected in the 1948 lottery?
Tessie Hutchinson
What does Mead say his occupation is?
Writer
When do readers find out about the war.
Throughout the whole novel there are hints of war. The characters seem unconcerned, but jets are flying over the city consistently in Part 1. In the end, the city is bombed and the declaration of war becomes undeniable.
What does the Phoenix Granger mentions to Montag represent?
Rebirth
How does society in the story define “equality”?
Everyone is made equal in ability, looks, intelligence—not in opportunity
Who is Old Man Warner, and what does he represent?
The oldest villager who blindly supports tradition
What setting does Bradbury compare the city to?
A graveyard
Put these events in order:
- Clarisse disappears
- Faber starts helping Montag
- Montag reads to Mildred's friends
- Montag hides books in his air vent
- Beatty comes over to see if Montag is sick
- Montag hides books in his air vent
- Clarisse disappears
- Beatty comes over to see if Montag is sick
- Faber starts helping Montag
- Montag reads to Mildred's friends
What does fire symbolize at the beginning versus the end of the novel?
Destruction vs. Renewal/Rebirth
Why doesn’t George remove his handicaps even though he could?
He says it would be unfair to others
How does Jackson use foreshadowing in the story?
Subtle hints like children gathering stones or villagers’ unease
What happens to Mead at the end of the story?
He is arrested and taken to a psychiatric center
When AND why does Faber say that he is a coward?
Faber says this as he is showing Montag his green bullet invention. This is right before he starts helping Montag. He says that he is a coward because he has strong beliefs, but he doesn't take action on them. Even in his attempts to help Montag, he is only willing to help from the comfort of his own home.
What theme is represented by the speed and noise of the society’s cars and entertainment?
Distraction and avoidance of real thought/emotions
How does Kurt Vonnegut use irony in the end of the story?
Diana Moon Glampers shoots Harrison and the ballerina; George and Hazel forget everything
What does the black box symbolize?
Tradition, death, and resistance to change
What does the city being "empty" at night suggest about the citizens’ lives?
They are completely consumed by screens and technology, lacking real interaction