Question

fahrenheit 451 – reading assignment 3
analysis questions for pages 29 - 45
start: \the flutter of cards...\
end: \he did not open the window.\
directions: answer each in complete sentences unless told otherwise. each will require at least 2 sentences to answer. write neatly and explain your ideas. use the question itself to craft your response.

1. discuss the significance of montag asking what happened to \the man whose library they fixed\ (31) and \trying to imagine just how it would feel\ (31)?
2. discuss the claim by the other firemen that benjamin franklin was the \first fireman\ (32). consider that benjamin franklin was an author, a scholar, an inventor and he was a signer of the declaration of independence. what is bradburys point by bringing him up here?
3. discuss the significance of the line, \play the man, master ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by gos grace, in england, as i trust shall never be put out\ (33).
4. discuss the significance of the line, \they fell like slaughtered birds and the woman stood below, like a small girl, among the bodies\ (34).
5. captain beatty says that

one of those books agree with each other\ (35). what does this mean in terms of a possible argument that the government makes for burning books?

1. discuss the significance of the womans actions.
2. reference specific evidence in the text and discuss montag and mildreds relationship.
3. discuss mildred both in terms of the memory montag has about her leaving and her reaction/response to what she reveals about clarisse.

Explanation:

These questions pertain to the analysis of the novel "Fahrenheit 451". They require understanding of character - actions, themes, and symbolic meanings within the text. For example, analyzing Montag's thoughts shows his evolving perspective, while examining the firemen's claim about Benjamin Franklin reveals the author's commentary on the role of knowledge and authority. Each question needs to be answered by referring to the specific context in the book and interpreting the significance of events, quotes, and character behaviors.

Answer:

1. Montag's question and attempt to imagine the man's feelings show his growing empathy and awakening curiosity about the people affected by the book - burning society. It marks a shift in his mindset from a passive fireman to someone questioning the status - quo.
2. Bradbury brings up Benjamin Franklin to contrast his role as a seeker of knowledge and a founder of a free nation with the firemen's role of destroying knowledge. It highlights the irony of the firemen claiming Franklin as their own while going against his values.
3. The quote is a reference to a historical martyrdom, symbolizing the power of ideas and the hope for a lasting impact. In the context of "Fahrenheit 451", it may suggest the potential for resistance and the endurance of truth despite efforts to suppress it.
4. This line uses vivid imagery to convey the violence and tragedy of book - burning. The slaughtered birds represent the destroyed books, and the woman's smallness among the bodies emphasizes her powerlessness and the scale of the destruction.
5. Captain Beatty's statement implies that the government argues books are a source of confusion and contradiction. By burning them, they aim to create a more homogeneous and "peaceful" society, free from the conflicting ideas that books contain.
6. The woman's actions, such as staying with her books, demonstrate her commitment to knowledge and her willingness to sacrifice for it. They serve as a powerful symbol of resistance against the oppressive book - burning regime.
7. Montag and Mildred's relationship is strained. For example, Mildred is more interested in her virtual reality shows than in Montag's inner turmoil. This shows the isolation and lack of true connection in their lives within the context of the novel's society.
8. Montag's memory of Mildred's near - death and her reaction reveals the shallowness of their relationship and the desensitization of the society. Mildred's non -chalant attitude towards her own life and the revelation about Clarisse shows a lack of emotional depth and awareness.