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. pp. 75-90

TODAY'S QUESTIONS:

20. Bradbury’s use of fire is clearly important. Explain the literal and the metaphorical meaning of the
    following: “‘You ever see a burned house? It smolders for days. Well, this fire’ll last me the rest of my
    life. God! I’ve been trying to put it out, in my mind, all night. I’m crazy with trying’”(48).
    
21. Beatty’s history of the fireman’s job is a critical section of this novel. According to Beatty, why did
    people turn away from reading? Do you agree with his assessment? Explain.
    
22. Beatty says, “‘...the public, knowing what it wanted, spinning happily, let the comic books survive. And
    the three-dimensional sex magazines, of course. There you have it, Montag, It didn’t come from the Government down. There was no dictum, no declaration, no censorship, to start with, no! Technology, mass exploitation, and minority pressure carried the trick, thank God!’” (55). If Beatty is correct, what are the implications for modern society?
    
23. He also says, “‘We must all be alike...Each man the image of every other; then all are happy, for there are no mountains to make them cower, to judge themselves against. So! A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon’” (55-56). Analyze these lines carefully and paraphrase Beatty – what is he truly saying?
    
24. In the end, Beatty sums up his lecture by telling Montag that the only thing standing between society and the unhappiness that would inevitably result if people had to think for themselves is the fireman system. Yet Beatty is clearly a well-educated man. Explain the juxtaposition using specific details from the text.
    
25. What does Montag’s realization that he does not like the other firemen, nor does he like himself (64) imply?
    
26. Explain how the following motifs or themes are introduced in the first chapter: ignorance/self-deception, alienation, mindlessness, reflection, censorship, conformity, the journey/quest, and guilt.