november 29

JOURNAL TOPIC:
As we get deeper into Fahrenheit 451, it seems that Montag is exploring a side of himself that's been hidden for a long time.  As you consider his character, and people in your life, and even yourself, ask yourself these questions: What makes a person "hard core" or gentle? Are such qualities innate or learned? Can they be changed?  How?


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Fahrenheit 451 questions
3. Continue reading


POST:

1. “The Hearth and the Salamander” seems an odd choice for a chapter title. Why do you suppose Bradbury chooses it? What connections is he creating? (hint: in mythology, the salamander is a fire lizard, said to be capable of starting and putting out fires)
   
2. The lines, “It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed” (1) tell the reader a great deal about the protagonist, Guy Montag. What assumptions can the reader make?
   
3. Bradbury’s use of metaphor and animal imagery begins on page one of the novel. He writes, “With the brass nozzle in his fists, with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world, the blood pounded in his head...” (1). Why would he have chosen to characterize a fire hose as a “great python?” Is the imagery positive or negative?
   
4. Also on the first page, we learn that Montag’s fire-helmet is inscribed with the number 451. What is the symbolic importance of this number?
   
5. Explain how Clarisse McClellan is first described. What is it about her that immediately strikes Montag?
   
6. The names “Clarisse” and “Guy” are significant. How?
   
7. Clarisse questions Montag about his way of life. How does she question him, and how does he react to
   her questions?
   
8. During the first conversation between Clarisse and Montag the reader discovers several odd things about the society in which these two characters live. Describe at least three odd things we learn.
9. Montag employs two similes in thinking of Clarisse. What comparisons does he make and why? 
10. 10. What does Montag realize about himself after Clarisse leaves him the first time?
        
    11. What are “Seashells” and how does Montag’s wife, Mildred/Millie, use them?
        
    12. There is a stark difference between Bradbury’s first description of Clarisse and his first description of
        Mildred. What does the reference to her face (11) signify and how does it contribute to our
        understanding of both her character and the marriage between Montag and Mildred?
        
    13. Describe the machine used on Mildred. Explain the symbolism.
        
    14. Montag’s comment that “Nobody knows anyone” (14) is telling. What is the epiphany he has?
        
    15. Unthinkingly, Montage finds himself drawn to the window of the McClellan household. Explain the
        contrast between his house and this one. What does the contrast tell the reader about society at large?
        
    16. Montag’s confused statement, “‘I don’t know anything anymore’” (15) signifies a pivotal moment in the
        text. Explain.
        
    17. When Mildred wakes up from her near-death experience, she does not seem to remember what
        happened. Describe her mood at this point. Why has Bradbury characterized her this way? What does
        Millie’s conversation with Montag reveal about her?
        
    18. Why does Clarisse visit the psychiatrist?
        
    19. What is “the Hound” and what is its function? Why is Montag bothered by the Hound?