Question: What do the “firemen” do for a living? Why is this ironic?

Answer: They burn houses which is ironic because originally a fireman’s mission was to put out fires.

Question: In the opening scene, why are the books compared to birds?

Answer: The books are compared to birds because as the books are burning, they take “flight” to that of birds/pigeons that are nuisances.

Question: According to pages 3-4, what does Montag think of his job?

Answer: Montag thinks his job is entertaining and he enjoys what he does, so in all he loves his job.

Question: Who does Montag meet on his way home?

Answer: He meets Clarisse McClellan, a 17 year old girl, who knows awfully a lot more than what is expected of their society.

Question: During his conversations, Montag says that “ You never wash it off completely” referring to the kerosene. What could this mean symbolically?

Answer: This could mean that once you burn something important like books, you can’t exactly shake off the feelings after you’ve done it as it is the guilt of burning books and the houses that contain them.

Question: Why do you think that Bradbury would introduce Clarisse before Montag’s wife, Mildred?

Answer: It is probably because Clarisse will be of more importance in the story and to show the differences in personalities of the two of them.

Question: Why does Mildred need help when Montag gets home?

Answer: Mildred needs help because she overdosed on sleeping pills and was completely passed out.

Question: Describe the help that she recieves.

Answer: Two men hook up tubes that pump her stomach and extracts the pills as well as pumps new blood.

Question: Is there anything unusual about the way the two men go about helping Mildred? How is it unusual?

Answer: They are very impersonal about the ordeal. The men say this happens often and that the two aren’t necessarily doctors but just operators.

Question: How is life in Montag’s house very different from that of Clarisse’s house?

Answer: In Montag’s house, Mildred and Guy hardly ever talk or communicate in any way. Mildred is always in the “parlor” and Guy is often at work. At Clarisse’s house, she and her family often talk and discuss things.