Plot Heat-check
What is Montag’s job at the beginning of the novel?
He is a fireman who burns books.
DOK 1 (Recall)
Right before they depart for the first time, what does Clarisse question Montag about that makes him uncomfortable?
Whether he is truly happy.
DOK 1
What theme is shown when Mildred cares more about her “family” on TV than real people?
The dangers of technology due to how obsessed Mildred is with her devices.
DOK 2
“It was a pleasure to burn.” What does this reveal about Montag at the start?
He enjoys his job and accepts society’s values.
DOK 1–2
What would the firehouse group chat be named?
*Varies*
What event first causes Montag to question his happiness and his society?
Meeting Clarisse.
DOK 1–2 (Recall → Basic inference)
How/Why is Mildred a symbol of conformity?
She spends all her time with screens and avoids deep thinking.
DOK 2
How does Clarisse support the theme of individuality?
She thinks, questions, and notices small details others ignore.
DOK 2
"Are you happy?” Why is this question powerful to Montag?
It forces Montag to reflect on his emotions for the first time.
DOK 2
If Clarisse had a modern hobby, which one would fit her personality the best?
A. TikTok dancing
B. Cloud-watching and journaling
C. Watching historical documentaries.
B. Cloud-watching and journaling
DOK 2
Why does the old woman choosing to burn with her books matter to Montag?
It shocks him and makes him realize books might have value since people are willing to die for them.
DOK 2 (Cause/effect reasoning)
What does Beatty’s knowledge of books reveal about him? Hint: Hypocrite
He understands books but chooses to support censorship.
DOK 2–3 (Character motivation + inference)
How does Montag’s transformation develop the theme of knowledge vs. ignorance?
He shifts from blindly accepting society to seeking truth through books.
DOK 3 (Explaining Montag’s transformation + theme development)
“Stuff the laundry in and slam the lid.” What is Mildred’s friend comparing here, and what does it show?
Children are being compared to machines; shows emotional disconnect in society.
DOK 3
Ray Bradbury's short story The Pedestrian inspired the creation of Fahrenheit 451, what events from the short story seem like they fit in or reflect F451?
Leonard Mead is arrested for simply walking alone at night. Or people are consumed by technology they do not go outside so walking at night is considered odd. Or the police car did not contain a real person, rather than a robot cop.
DOK 2-3
How does Montag’s reaction to Mildred’s overdose differ from this society’s typical response (1), and what does this reveal about him (2) ?
Montag is disturbed and emotionally shaken, while this society treats overdoses as normal and unimportant. His discomfort shows he still has the capacity for real emotion and awareness, setting him apart from others.
DOK 3 (Analyzing character + environmental motives)
Explain why Clarisse is described as “anti-social” even though she behaves in ways we would consider deeply social.
In their society, “social” means engaging with technology, not people. Clarisse’s curiosity and face-to-face conversations go against social norms, showing the society’s twisted values.
Level: 2–3
How does Bradbury argue that apathy (a lack of interest, motivation, or emotional responsiveness) is more dangerous than censorship (removal of writing, artistic work, etc. that are considered obscene) itself?
Bradbury argues that apathy is more dangerous than censorship by showing how people willingly abandon curiosity and critical thinking, allowing oppressive control to thrive without resistance.
DOK 3–4 (Deeper literary criticism / societal critique)
Interpret what Faber means when he says “It’s not books you need, it’s the things that were once in books.”
Faber means that it’s not the physical books that matter, but the deeper ideas—like truth, unique perspectives and experiences, reflection, and meaningful understanding—that people have lost in their shallow, fast-paced society.
DOK 3
What real 'war' was going on that helped inspired the creation of Fahrenheit 451?
The Cold War
DOK 1
Beatty uses a lot of manipulation tactics on Montag. From telling Montag the history of Firemen, the reasons for banning books, to why entertainment is better and people are happier.
Provide one direct example Beatty justifies the need to keep people happy.
Beatty justifies the need to keep people happy by claiming that books only create confusion and unhappiness, insisting that “you don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture—just get people to stop reading them,” which he uses to convince Montag that censorship protects society from discomfort.
DOK 3–4 (Symbolic + thematic interpretation)
How does Beatty’s knowledge of literature make him more dangerous than a typical antagonist?
Beatty’s deep knowledge of literature makes him more dangerous because he uses the same idea he claims are found in books to manipulate, confuse, and control others, turning knowledge into a weapon rather than a source of truth.
DOK 2
What message does Bradbury communicate through the phoenix symbol introduced at the end of the book?
The phoenix represents the idea that societies destroy themselves through _____ but can rebuild if they learn from their _____. Bradbury is warning that rebirth requires _______, not repeating mistakes.
Ignorance, Past, and reflection
Level: 2–3
Interpret the quote: “If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you’ll never learn.” What does this reveal about Faber’s beliefs?
If you hide don't make mistakes you will never learn from them.
What is McCarthyism or the Red Scare?
McCarthyism, or the Red Scare, refers to the period in the 1950s when Senator Joseph McCarthy fueled widespread fear of communism in the United States, leading to aggressive investigations, baseless accusations, and violations of people’s rights in the name of rooting out alleged communist influence.
DOK 1-2