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.

Explanation:

1. Montag's questions and attempts at empathy show his growing dissatisfaction with the society's book - burning and lack of individuality. It marks the start of his self - awareness and moral questioning.
2. Bradbury brings up Benjamin Franklin to highlight the irony of a figure associated with progress and knowledge being linked to firemen who destroy knowledge. It shows how the society has perverted the original meaning of fire - related work.
3. The quote is a reference to a historical moment of standing up for one's beliefs. In the context of Fahrenheit 451, it implies the potential for a spark of resistance and the hope for an idea that cannot be extinguished.
4. The simile compares the burning books to slaughtered birds, emphasizing the violence and tragedy of book - burning. The woman's presence among the "bodies" shows her connection to the lost knowledge.
5. Captain Beatty's statement implies that the government may argue that books cause confusion and conflict due to their diverse and often contradictory ideas, justifying book - burning as a way to maintain social order.
6. The woman's actions, such as staying with her books while they are being burned, symbolize her dedication to knowledge and her willingness to sacrifice for it. It also serves as a catalyst for Montag's further transformation.
7. Evidence such as their lack of real communication and Mildred's obsession with the TV "family" shows their strained and empty relationship, highlighting the isolation and shallowness in the society.

Answer:

1. Montag's questions indicate his emerging moral and self - awareness, as he begins to question the society's norms.
2. Bradbury uses Franklin's association with firemen to show the irony and perversion of the society's values.
3. The quote represents the hope for an unquenchable idea and potential resistance.
4. The simile emphasizes the tragedy of book - burning and the woman's connection to knowledge.
5. The government may use the lack of agreement in books as an argument for burning them to maintain order.
6. The woman's actions symbolize dedication to knowledge and sacrifice.
7. Their relationship is strained and empty, reflecting the society's isolation and shallowness.