Study Guide Questions – Fahrenheit 451, part 1 – Flashcards

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question
What do the "firemen" do for a living? Why is this ironic?
answer
They burn houses which is ironic because originally a fireman's mission was to put out fires.
question
In the opening scene, why are the books compared to birds?
answer
The books are compared to birds because as the books are burning, they take "flight" to that of birds/pigeons that are nuisances.
question
According to pages 3-4, what does Montag think of his job?
answer
Montag thinks his job is entertaining and he enjoys what he does, so in all he loves his job.
question
Who does Montag meet on his way home?
answer
He meets Clarisse McClellan, a 17 year old girl, who knows awfully a lot more than what is expected of their society.
question
During his conversations, Montag says that " You never wash it off completely" referring to the kerosene. What could this mean symbolically?
answer
This could mean that once you burn something important like books, you can't exactly shake off the feelings after you've done it as it is the guilt of burning books and the houses that contain them.
question
Why do you think that Bradbury would introduce Clarisse before Montag's wife, Mildred?
answer
It is probably because Clarisse will be of more importance in the story and to show the differences in personalities of the two of them.
question
Why does Mildred need help when Montag gets home?
answer
Mildred needs help because she overdosed on sleeping pills and was completely passed out.
question
Describe the help that Mildred receives.
answer
Two men hook up tubes that pump her stomach and extracts the pills as well as pumps new blood.
question
Is there anything unusual about the way the two men go about helping Mildred? How is it unusual?
answer
They are very impersonal about the ordeal. The men say this happens often and that the two aren't necessarily doctors but just operators.
question
How is life in Montag's house very different from that of Clarisse's house?
answer
In Montag's house, Mildred and Guy hardly ever talk or communicate in any way. Mildred is always in the "parlor" and Guy is often at work. At Clarisse's house, she and her family often talk and discuss things.
question
How does Mildred react after she wakes up from her previous night's experience?
answer
Mildred doesn't remember what had happened and feels as if she is having a hangover.
question
What does Mildred do all day?
answer
Mildred watches TV or listens to her music from her earpieces (seashells).
question
Describe the setup of Montag's TV room?
answer
There are four walls with a TV except for one that is just a plain wall.
question
What is Clarisse doing when Montag sees her on page 21?
answer
Clarisse is speaking to her uncle.
question
How is Clarisse different than Mildred?
answer
Clarisse is different from Mildred because she has thoughts about the world for what it really is unlike Mildred who doesn't really care.
question
What is the mechanical hound and what is its purpose?
answer
The mechanical hound is an eight-legged spider/dog and its purpose is to track down and find people who find books that is trained like an assassin.
question
What is the hound's reaction to Montag?
answer
The hound doesn't like Montag and acts coldly toward Montag.
question
Why does society consider Clarisse "anti-social"?
answer
Society considers Clarisse "anti-social" because she thinks differently and doesn't speak of the "normal" things in their society.
question
At the next fire, what does Montag take?
answer
Montag takes the books and hides them.
question
On page 40, Beatty reveals something very important about himself and his knowledge. What is it?
answer
Beatty knows information that is contained in books, indicating he has probably read books before.
question
What technology does Mildred use to go to sleep?
answer
Mildred uses earpieces/seashells.
question
Who is Mildred's "family?"
answer
Her "family" are the people at the parlor.
question
What has happened to Clarisse? How did it happen?
answer
She was hit by a car and killed.
question
What is unusual about the way Mildred told Montag about Clarisse?
answer
Mildred didn't show much remorse over the death of Clarisse and it was as if she was content with the death.
question
What is Fahrenheit 451?
answer
Fahrenheit symbolizes that at 451 degrees is when paper burns.
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