Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451, the 1953 reincarnation of "The Fire Man," presents ideas that

are far more complex than that brief description indicates. This novel is a soothsayer, warning of a future populated by non-readers and non-thinkers; a lost people with no sense of their history. At the same time it salutes those who dedicate their lives to the preservation and passing on of knowledge, and testifies to the quiet or passionate courage of the rebel with a cause. Fahrenheit also poses questions about the role(s) of government: Should it reflect the will of the people? Should government do the people's thinking for them? DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Why would society make "being a pedestrian" a crime? (Clarisse tells Montag that her uncle was once arrested for this.) 2. One suicide and one near-suicide occur in this book. One woman, who shuns books but loves TV and driving fast in her car, anesthetizes herself,; "We get these cases nine or ten a night," says the medical technician. Another woman, who cherishes her books, sets herself on fire with them; "These fanatics always try suicide," says the fire captain. Why would two people who seem to be so different from each other try to take their own lives? Why does suicide happen so frequently in Montag's society?" 3. Captain Beatty quotes history, scripture, poetry, philosophy. He is obviously a well-read man. Why hasn't he been punished? And why does he view the books he's read with such contempt? 4. Beatty tells Montag that firemen are "custodians of peace of mind" and that they stand against "those who want to make everyone unhappy with conflicting theory and thought." How well are the firemen accomplishing these objectives? Are conflicting ideas the only source of unhappiness in their society? What other sources might there be? Can conflicting ideas exist even without books that have been destroyed and outlawed? 5. Why do you think the firemen's rulebook credited Benjamin Franklin-- writer, publisher, political leader, inventor, ambassador--as being the first fireman? 6. Why does Beatty program the Hound to track Montag even before Montag stole the book? Do you believe Beatty had seen him steal books before? Or is it that Beatty had detected a change in Montag's attitude or behavior? Cite incidents in the book that support your answer. 7. Montag turns to books to rescue him; instead they help demolish his life -- he loses his wife, job and home; he kills a man and is forced to be a nomad. Does he gain any benefits from books? If so, what are they? 8. Do you believe, as Montag did, that Beatty wanted to die? If so, why do you think so? 9. Since the government is so opposed to readers, thinkers, walkers, and slow drivers, why does it allow the procession of men along the railroad tracks to exist? 10. Once Montag becomes a violent revolutionary, why does the government purposely capture an innocent man in his place instead of tracking down the real Montag? Might the government believe that Montag is no longer a threat? 11. Granger, spokesperson for the group on the railroad tracks, tells Montag, "Right now we have a horrible job; we're waiting for the war to begin and, as quickly, end...When the war's over, perhaps we can be of some use in the world." Based on what you've read of the world these men live in, do you believe that 1

the books they carry inside themselves will make a difference? Might this difference be positive or negative? Point out episodes in Fahrenheit to support your response. 12. What does Granger mean when he says, "We're going to go build a mirror factory first and put out nothing but mirrors for the next year and take a long time to look at them?" Why would "mirrors" be important in this new society? (Note: In Part 1, Clarisse is said to be "like a mirror.") 13. Although Ray Bradbury's work is often referred to as science fiction, Fahrenheit has plenty to say about the world as it is, and not as it could be. As you review the book, list examples of the themes mentioned below, as well as others you notice. Discuss how you feel about the stands the author or characters take in Fahrenheit. conformity vs. individuality freedom of speech and the consequences of losing it the importance of remembering and understanding history machines as helpers to humans, machines as hindrances or enemies Guide by Alice Jones-Miller. Ms. Jones-Miller is an editor and writer living in Westchester County, New York. Source: http://www.readinggroupguides.com/

DISCUSSION GUIDE #2 1. Montag comes to learn that "firemen are rarely necessary" because "the public itself stopped reading of its own accord." Bradbury wrote his novel in 1953: To what extent has his prophecy come true today? 2. Clarisse describes a past that Montag has never known: one with front porches, gardens, and rocking chairs. What do these items have in common, and how might their removal have encouraged Montag's repressive society? 3. "Don't ask to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library," Faber tells Montag. "Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore." How good is this advice? 4. Among the most significant of the many literary allusions in Fahrenheit 451 occurs when Montag reads Matthew Arnold's poem "Dover Beach." What is the response of Mildred's friends, and why does Montag kick them out of his house? 5. It may surprise the reader to learn that Beatty is quite well-read. How can Beatty's knowledge of and hatred for books be reconciled? 6. Unlike Mrs. Hudson, Montag chooses not to die in his house with his books. Instead he burns them, asserting even that "it was good to burn" and that "fire was best for everything!" Are these choices and sentiments consistent with his character? Are you surprised that he fails to follow in her footsteps? 7. Beatty justifies the new role of firemen by claiming to be "custodians of [society's] peace of mind, the focus of [the] understandable and right dread of being inferior." What does he mean by this, and is there any sense that he might be right? 8. How does the destruction of books lead to more happiness and equality, according to Beatty? Does his lecture to Montag on the rights of man sound like any rhetoric still employed today? 9. Why does Montag memorize the Old Testament's Ecclesiastes and the New Testament's Revelation? How do the final two paragraphs of the novel allude to both biblical books? 10. Are there any circumstances where censorship might play a beneficial role in society? Are there some books that should be banned? 11. If you had to memorize a single book or risk its extinction, which book would you choose? Source: http://www.neabigread.org/books/fahrenheit451/fahrenheit451_06.php

DISCUSSION GUIDE #3 1. Why would society make "being a pedestrian" a crime? (Clarisse tells Montag that her uncle was once arrested for this.) 2. One suicide and one near-suicide occur in this book. One woman, who shuns books but loves TV and driving fast in her car, anesthetizes herself,; "We get these cases nine or ten a night," says the medical technician. Another woman, who cherishes her books, sets herself on fire with them; "These fanatics always try suicide," says the fire captain. Why would two people who seem to be so different from each other try to take their own lives? Why does suicide happen so frequently in Montag's society?" 3. Captain Beatty quotes history, scripture, poetry, philosophy. He is obviously a well-read man. Why hasn't he been punished? And why does he view the books he's read with such contempt? 4. Beatty tells Montag that firemen are "custodians of peace of mind" and that they stand against "those who want to make everyone unhappy with conflicting theory and thought." How well are the firemen accomplishing these objectives? Are conflicting ideas the only source of unhappiness in their society? What other sources might there be? Can conflicting ideas exist even without books that have been destroyed and outlawed? 5. Why do you think the firemen's rulebook credited Benjamin Franklin-- writer, publisher, political leader, inventor, ambassador--as being the first fireman? 6. Why does Beatty program the Hound to track Montag even before Montag stole the book? Do you believe Beatty had seen him steal books before? Or is it that Beatty had detected a change in Montag's attitude or behavior? Cite incidents in the book that support your answer. 7. Montag turns to books to rescue him; instead they help demolish his life- -he loses his wife, job and home; he kills a man and is forced to be a nomad. Does he gain any benefits from books? If so, what are they? 8. Do you believe, as Montag did, that Beatty wanted to die? If so, why do you think so? 9. Since the government is so opposed to readers, thinkers, walkers, and slow drivers, why does it allow the procession of men along the railroad tracks to exist? 10. Once Montag becomes a violent revolutionary, why does the government purposely capture an innocent man in his place instead of tracking down the real Montag? Might the government believe that Montag is no longer a threat? 11. Granger, spokesperson for the group on the railroad tracks, tells Montag, "Right now we have a horrible job; we're waiting for the war to begin and, as quickly, end...When the war's over, perhaps we can be of some use in the world." Based on what you've read of the world these men live in, do you believe that the books they carry inside themselves will make a difference? Might this difference be positive or negative? Point out episodes in Fahrenheit to support your response. 12. What does Granger mean when he says, "We're going to go build a mirror factory first and put out nothing but mirrors for the next year and take a long time to look at them?" Why would "mirrors" be important in this new society? (Note: In Part 1, Clarisse is said to be "like a mirror.") 13. Although Ray Bradbury's work is often referred to as science fiction, Fahrenheit has plenty to say about the world as it is, and not as it could be. As you review the book, list examples of the themes mentioned below, as well as others you notice. 14. Discuss how you feel about the stands the author or characters take in Fahrenheit. conformity vs. individuality freedom of speech and the consequences of losing it the importance of remembering and understanding history machines as helpers to humans, machines as hindrances or enemies Source: http://www.randomhouse.com/highschool/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780345342966&view=tg

DISCUSSION GUIDE #4 Guy Montag, a fireman, is the central character in the story. The plot revolves around Montag, and his relationship with several people precipitates the actions that drive the plot to its inevitable conclusion. Montag, at first seemingly a contented fireman, is revealed as a complex man with questions about the role of firemen, books, and life. The people he knows or meets during the course of the novel have a profound effect on his thoughts and decisions. Note: page numbers in parentheses are some of the passages that may be used in answering questions and are from the Ballantine 50th Anniversary Edition. It is suggested that discussion leaders copy the accompanying questions) to give to discussion participants) 1. Montag and Clarisse: Who is Clarisse? (p.6) What types of things does Clarisse discuss with Montag? (pp. 6-10; 21-24; 28-31)What is so unusual about their talks? Does meeting Clarisse change Montag? (p. 10); 24; If so, how does she change him? How does he feel when she disappears? (47; 60; 72) Does her disappearance influence his behavior? 2. Montag and Beatty, the fire captain: What is Beattys attitude toward burning books? (53-63; 115) What does Montag do when he begins to feel inner conflict about being a fireman? (37-38; 49; 71-72) How does Beatty treat him? (61-63; 105-110) Why does Beatty needle Montag into torching him after burning his house? (122) How does Montage feel afterward? (122-123) 3. Montag and Mildred, his wife What kind of relationship do Montage and his wife have? ((41-44; 63-68) What matters most to his wife? (73) Is she happy? (13-14; 65) Does his wife understand or accept Montags feelings about his job, their life, and the society in which they live? 4. Montag and Faber Why does Montag search out Faber? (74-75; 82) What does he want to learn from him? (82) How does this relationship influence Montag? (88-89; 108) 5. Montag and Himself What is the role of firemen in the book? (58-59) Why do you think the author made Montag a fireman? Is Montag content with life in the beginning of the story? (1-2; 10) How does he change as the story progresses? (104-105; 102-103) How does he feel about life at the end of the story?

Discussion Questions (for Participants) 1. Montag and Clarisse: Who is Clarisse? What types of things does Clarisse discuss with Montag What is so unusual about their talks? Does meeting Clarisse change Montag? If so, how does she change him? How does he feel when she disappears? Does her disappearance influence his behavior? 2. Montag and Beatty, the fire captain: What is Beattys attitude toward burning books? What does Montag do when he begins to feel inner conflict about being a fireman? How does Beatty treat him? Why does Beatty needle Montag into torching him after burning his house? How does Montage feel afterward? 3. Montag and Mildred, his wife What kind of relationship do Montage and his wife have? What matters most to his wife? Is she happy? Does his wife understand or accept Montags feelings about his job, their life, and the society in which they live? 4. Montag and Faber Why does Montag search out Faber? What does he want to learn from him? How does this relationship influence Montag? 5. Montag and Himself What is the role of firemen in the book? Why do you think the author made Montag a fireman? Is Montag content with life in the beginning of the story? How does he change as the story progresses? How does he feel about life at the end of the story?

Source: Prepared on behalf of the Baton Rouge Area Library Club

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