Fahrenheit 451 - Short Answers Flashcards
SA
Describe Clarisse’s effect on Montag and her function in the novel. How and why does she change him?
Clarisse makes Montag question his life and examine the society around him. She asks questions and shows him a different way of looking at the world, which makes him realize his dissatisfaction with his existence and how controlled his life is. Her curious and free-thinking character sparks Montag to rediscover the importance of thinking and feeling, questioning his job as a fireman and starting to seek knowledge.
SA
Why do you think Bradbury chose to kill Clarisse?
I’d like to think Bradbury had chosen to kill Clarisse to show the oppressive and harshness of the society Montag lives in. In which, free-thinkers and curiosity characters like Clarisse are seen as dangerous and have to be silenced. Her death pushes Montag to realize the need for a change in his society and starts Montag’s transformation.
SA
Why does Beatty use many book quotations to convince Montag to “return” to being a fireman?
Beatty uses quotations from books to confuse Montag and argue that literature is conflicting, confusing, and dangerous, justifying the burning of books and suggesting that society is better off without them. Beatty wants Montag to believe books lead to chaos, and to come back to being a fireman and following orders without questioning, breaking Montag’s growing curiosity and making him feel that knowledge and self-reflection are dangerous and complicated.
SA
What message, overall, do you think Bradbury is trying to relay to his readers? That is, what are you supposed to learn from reading his novel? (Hint: think theme)
The overall message Ray Bradbury is trying to convey is the danger of censorship and the importance of critical thinking and self-awareness. Bradbury is trying to teach readers to value knowledge, free thought, and self-reflection to protect our freedom to question and learn and prevent a society that’s similar to Fahrenheit 451.
Foil characters are those that are in similar situations but react in very different ways to those events, Foil characters in this novel might be: Mildred vs. Clarisse.
Mildred and Clarisse are opposites, showing two different ways of living. Clarisse is curious, thoughtful, and always questioning things, which helps Montag start thinking deeply about life. She represents knowledge and freedom. In contrast, Mildred is shallow and always focused on distractions, like her TV shows, avoiding deep thinking. She represents a controlled society that doesn’t encourage questioning. Their differences highlight the theme of knowledge versus ignorance.
