Fahrenheit 451
READING GUIDE
These questions are to guide your reading and more importantly, guide our discussion of the key points of the book. Write on loose leaf, concise answers for each of the following questions for the parts of the novel.
PART ONE – The Hearth and the Salamander
- Who is Montag? How does he feel about his job?
- What metaphor does Bradbury use to describe the burning books?
- What kinds of powers did Clarisse seem to have immediately over Montag? What is her life like? Is she “insane” as she describes herself?
- How does Mildred pass the time of her life? What is she like? Is Montag in love with her?
- Explain the title of this section of the book.
- What is the significance / symbolism of the mascot of the fire department? How does it react to Montag?
- How do the conversations differ that Montag has with Mildred and with Clarisse?
- Describe school in the world of Fahrenheit 451.
- Give three reasons why the firemen might be suspicious of Montag.
- Summarize the anecdote about the Seattle fireman’s suicide?
- What do the rule books say about the Firemen of America?
- What reasons did Beatty give for the burning of the books?
- What is the effect about the announcement of impending war?
- Describe the firemen and describe Stoneman and Black.
- What can you infer about the government when it comes to a national fire department?
- Summarize the old woman’s fire. Who does she quote?
- What has happened to Clarisse? How does Montag feel about his wife?
- What is the significance that the smell of kerosene makes Montag sick?
- There is a whole conversation about books by Beatty. What is said about BOOKS?
- What is your reaction to Beatty’s statement that everyone must be alike – not born free and equal BUT made equal?
- Before Part One in the book there is a quote by Juan Ramon Jimenez – comment on it: “If they give you ruled paper, write the other way.”
- What is Montag looking for in books?
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