Fahrenheit 451: Part1 Comprehension Check – Flashcards
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At the beginning of the story, how does Montag feel about his job?
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He delights in burning books and houses, and believes he is happy.
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What is your first impression of Clarisse?
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Clarisse thinks and acts outside the box and doesn't care about what other people think of her.
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What memory does Montag's encounter with Clarisse?
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Montag remembers a power failure he experienced as a child. His mom then lit a single candle, which reminded him of Clarisse's glowing face.
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What is Montag's reaction to Clarisse's question: "Have you ever read any of the books you burn?"
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He is surprised by the question and says that owning books is against the law.
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What do Clarisse and Montag argue about? What does Clarisse tell Montag that firemen used to do?
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They argue about Clarisse's belief that firemen once put out fires instead of starting them.
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Explain the significance of Clarisse's speech about "blurs". Why are billboards 200 feet long?
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She was trying to explain that the world they live in move so fast that everyone misses small details in life. Billboards are 200 feet long so viewers will be able to see the advertisement even while they are driving extremely fast.
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Why was Clarisse's uncle arrested? What does this indicate about the society they live in?
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He was arrested for driving too slow then again for being a pedestrian. This shows that their society doesn't allow for people to be observant of details.
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What question finally offends Montag?
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The question "Are you happy?" bothers Montag.
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What does his encounter with Clarisse remind him of?
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She reminds him of candlelight, a clock, and a mirror, all of which have to do with fire and light.
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What do you think the author meant when he said "How rarely did other people's faces take of you and throw back to you your own expression, your own innermost trembling thought?" What does this question reveal about Montag's state of mind?
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Montag is talking about how Clarisse has made him evaluate his happiness and his corrupt life.
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How does the author describe Montag's home?
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It is described as a cold, tomb-like place.
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Why do you think Montag did not want to open the curtains or windows?
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He does not want any light, a symbol of hope, coming through into his cold house.
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What does Montag find under the bed?
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An empty bottle of sleeping pills.
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Describe the machines. What do they do to Mildred? How do the men treat their "patient"? Why is it so "routine" to them?
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The machines are snake-like tubes that clear out the patient's stomach. The men are not very considerate of Mildred and say that this situation happens to them a lot.
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What does Montag hear after the men leave? What is his reaction?
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He hears talking and laughing from Clarisse's house and feels dull and jealous of her and her family.
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Mildred's earpieces have been described as "electronic bees", "mosquito hums", and "hidden wasps." What are these earpieces? Why does she always have one in her ear? Why do you think Bradbury compares these devices to insects?
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The earpieces are headphones that play music or other types of audio. She does this to stay subconscious. The earpieces are compared to insects because they are always buzzing in Mildred's ears.
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How does Mildred react when Montag tells her what happened the night before?
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Mildred feels like she has a hangover and continuously asks if there was a party.
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What is Mildred's "script' about? What part does she play? Why does she want to buy a fourth wall?
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Mildred uses her script to interact with her TV "family" on the walls. She wants a fourth wall to add to her entertainment.
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Why does Clarisse insist that Montag is not like the others?
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She says that Montag listens to her, while all other firemen do not.
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Describe the Mechanical Hound. What is its purpose? How does Montag feel about the Hound?
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The Mechanical Hound is an eight-legged machine that hunts down and kill lawbreakers. Montag feels that the Hound was programmed to not like him.
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Why is Clarisse considered "antisocial"? How do the kids in this society entertain themselves? What is your reaction to this?
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Clarisse is considered antisocial because she doesn't do what everyone else does and thinks differently. Kids don't focus on knowledge, but on sports and watch films to learn.
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What do people talk about in this society? How is this different from our own society
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