Answer to Question #309478 in English for Kelsey Jand

Question

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Study Guide

Directions: Answer these study guide questions as you read with as much depth as possible. Doing so will force you to stop and think about what is happening in the story and why. These notes are a more structured form of annotation. 

Chronological Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. Describe Montag and his characteristics, according to the tone and imagery in the very first passage. What inconsistencies and ironies are present? What does Montag do for a living? Describe his life at work. How does Montag feel about his job at the beginning of the novel?
2. Describe Montag’s life at home.
3. What is so different about Clarisse? How does meeting her affect Montag?
4. Contrast Clarisse and Mildred. They’re character foils. Look up that term and then consider: what might these two women each represent? 
5. Describe how and why Montag changes after the first fire at the old woman’s house.
6. What has happened to Clarisse? How is this ironic and tragic? 

Answer 1

Montag is a faithful citizen and fireman at the start of Fahrenheit 451, and he has rarely questioned society's values. He sees the world through the eyes of any regular citizen (in this society), and is perfectly satisfied to watch flames devour a person's words and thoughts. Montag begins as a disgruntled but largely contented fireman, but as he learns the cost of a world without books, he grows progressively disenchanted with his society. Fahrenheit 451 has a dark and brooding tone to it. The apocalyptic atmosphere that hangs over the city, continually threatening nuclear Armageddon, is the novel's most visceral feature. The dictatorial policies that police Montag's society are equally intense.