Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
Guided Reading Summer Assignment
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
A science fiction
Page numbers throughout this guided reading assignment refer to the following edition:
Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Random House, Inc., 1981.
Directions: Answer ALL questions in complete sentences on a separate sheet
of paper.
As you read, complete the following activities...
A. Fire and burning are important symbols in Fahrenheit 451. Make a T-Chart and freeassociate words, thoughts, and feelings that come to mind when you think about fire
and burning. As you read, add to your T-Chart by recording quotes from the book that
relate to either fire or burning.
B. Track the word mirror and any references to the concept of reflection as you read the
book. Make a list of quotes and page numbers.
“The Hearth and the Salamander”
the name of the fire trucks, they can endure fire without
burning
Section 1
Pages 3-24
Last Line of the Section: “opened his mouth…”
Overview: Montag, the protagonist, appears to be happy in his job as a fireman. He is
distressed about his wife Mildred’s suicide attempt. His meetings with Clarisse,
however, have a powerful influence on him. His second self, the one who isn’t happy, is
disturbed by Clarisse. In fact, she seems to be a mirror of his inner thoughts and
feelings. Fire is a symbol of cleansing
QUESTIONS:
1. Montag is a fireman of the future. Explain what he means when he says, “It was a
pleasure to burn.” Pg. 3
a.
He enjoyed the process of burning books.
2. Instead of water, what does the fire hose spray? Pg. 3
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
a.
Kerosene
3. Describe the sounds and scents associated with Clarisse. (Pg. 5-6)
a.
Autum leaves blowing, dry rain, fresh apricots and strawberries
4. For what “crimes” has Clarisse’s uncle been arrested? What does this tell you about
this society? (pg 9)
a.
He was jailed for 2 days for driving slowly, 45 MPH, on a highway and for
being a pedestrian. He was the greatest influence on Clarisse.
5. What question does Clarisse ask Montag? (Hint: 3 words) (pg 10)
a.
“Are you happy?”
6. Describe the atmosphere inside Montag’s house. (pg 11-12)
a.
All of the windows were shut like a tomb. It was empty and cold and dark.
There was a parlor with screens on 3 of the 4 walls.
7. When Montag gets home from work, he realizes that Mildred has taken an entire
bottle of sleeping pills. Compare the two hospital “handymen” with today’s healthcare
workers. (pg. 14)
a.
It was two men smoking while a snake like machine that changed out her
blood. The asked for a fee before they left. They were dressed like mechanics, not
hospital workers.
8. How does Mildred react after she wakes up from her attempted suicide? Pg 16
a.
She was hungry and did not remember anything that happened. He felt
“hung over”
9. Describe the set-up of Montag’s TV room. p. 20
a.
Three of the four walls have interactive televisions.
10. What is Clarisse doing when Montag sees her? (p. 21)
a.
Walking and catching rain in her mouth.
Section 2
Pages 24-48
Last Line of the Section: “He did not open the window.”
Overview: Notice the developing character of Beatty, who seems to be totally unfeeling.
Beatty also seems to be suspicious of Montag. The introduction of the Mechanical
Hound is important since it stands in such harsh contrast to the friendly, cute Dalmatian
typically associated with firemen. The fire at the old woman’s house transforms Montag.
He realizes the difference between things and people, which seems to be the same to
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
Beatty. Mildred’s emptiness and robot-like reactions make him realize how isolated he
feels. Clarisse’s death adds to his despair.
QUESTIONS:
1. The Mechanical Hound is the mascot of the fire department. Describe who its victims
are and how they are killed. (p. 25)
a.
Rats, cats, chickens. A needle would come from the hound and inject
morphine or procaine.
2. How does the Mechanical Hound react to Montag? (p. 25-26)
a.
It growls at him.
3. Describe school in the world of Fahrenheit 451. (p. 29)
a.
They have hour-long classes: tv, basketball, baseball, running,
transcription history, or painting pictures. Students would not ask questions, teachers
would just lecture information.
4. Why does society consider Clarisse “anti-social”? (p. 29)
a.
Because she would ask questions and be social toward others.
5. How do teenagers amuse themselves in their free time? (pp. 29-30)
a.
Go to the fun park to bully others, break window panes, wreck cars, race
on the streets, play chicken.
6. What happened to Clarisse’s friends?(p.30)
a.
They died, 6 were shot and 10 died in car accidents.
7. What do the rule books say about the Firemen of America? (pp. 34-35).
a.
Established in 1790 to burn English influenced books in the colonies.
b.
Ben Franklin was the 1st fireman.
c.
Answer alarms swiftly, start fires swiftly, burn everything, return to the
firehouse immediately, stay alert for other alarms.
8. What reasons does Beatty give for burning books?
a.
Books contradict themselves. They are lies because the people do not
really exist.
9. What startling news does Mildred reveal to Montag? (p. 47)
a.
Clarisse was run over by a car four days prior.
Section 3
Pages 48-68
Last Line of the Section: “at the beginning.”
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
Overview: Beatty’s long speech in this section deserves careful study. He is a
spokesman for the masses, and his explanation for the insanity of this society almost
seems to make sense. A close reading of this speech offers an opportunity to think
about the consequences of censorship and the meaning of the word “equal.” Montag’s
metamorphosis is now well under way; he knows there is something in books that he
needs and wants to understand. He hopes the truth he seeks is enough to awaken
Mildred from her zombie-like existence.
QUESTIONS:
1. Montag once described the smell of kerosene in a positive way. How does the fact
that it now makes him sick connect with the plot?
a.
He is unable to be a fireman and no longer agrees with the rules. He is
changing his views.
2. The old woman refuses to abandon her books. What effect does this have on the
firemen?
a.
They have to burn her too!
3. How does Mildred react when Montag tells her about the old woman burning alive
with her books? (pp.49-51)
a.
She acts like it is no big deal. She is angry at the woman for starting such
a fuss.
4. Why must fire captains have book knowledge?
a.
To know the importance of burning the books.
5. Where does Montag hide the book he stole? (p. 53) What does Mildred do when she
finds it? (p. 66)
a.
He hides it behind his pillow.
b.
She tried to burn the book.
6. Why does Beatty visit? (p. 52)
a.
Because Montag did not show up for work.
b.
Perhaps he knows about the book he stole.
7. What literature is allowable in this society? (p. 57)
a.
Comics, sex magazines, old confessions, trade journals
8. Montag asks, “How do people like Clarisse come to exist in our world?” How does
Beatty reply? (p. 60)
a.
Heredity and environment, she asks why things are done not how.
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
“The Hearth and the Salamander” Writing Assignment:
Choose ONE of the following prompts and write a response that is at least one
well-developed paragraph in length. Your paragraph must be a minimum of 5
sentences.
1. Montag is disturbed by Mildred’s emptiness. He feels the books may help him find a
way to get through to Mildred. Write about how a particular book has helped you to
better understand yourself.
2. Clarisse’s uncle was a mentor for her just as she is a mentor for Montag. Sometimes
people can have a deep and lasting effect on us that may even change our lives.
Maybe you were a mentor or maybe you were mentored by someone. Write about
someone who has influenced your life enough for you to make changes in your
thinking or actions.
3. How is a civilization advanced when people do things differently than they have
always been done? How is it held back if nobody tries anything new?
“The Sieve and the Sand”
Section 4
Pages 71-93
Last Line of the Section: “lips moving just a trifle.”
Overview: Montag is now acting as his second self, the one that Clarisse brought out.
His “fireman” self is still with him, but he is beginning to have his own thoughts about
how to save society from what he now recognizes as a terrible mistake. Faber is an
important mentor and teacher to Montag.
QUESTIONS:
1. How does Mildred react to Montag’s reading? (71-73)
a.
Fear, confusion, not sure why he is doing it. Anger
2. What answers does Montag give to Mildred’s question, “Why should I read? What
for?” (p. 73-74)
a.
To understand things that happen around them. To stop them from
making the same mistakes.
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
3. What comes sniffing around the door as Montag is reading? (p. 72)
a.
The Mechanical Hound
4. Montag needs a teacher to help him understand books, and he remembers that the
old man in the park is a retired English professor. What is his name? (p. 75)
a.
Professor Faber
5. What problem does Montag have regarding which book to turn in to Beatty? (p. 76)
a.
If Beatty knows which book he stole and Montag gives him the wrong one
Beatty will know he has a library of books.
b.
He wanted to give the one with the least value.
6. Why does Faber see himself as a coward and Montag as a brave man? (pp. 81-82)
a.
Montag is brave because he stole a book. Faber is a coward because he
never took a stand with the burning books.
7. Describe the plan that Faber and Montag devise. (p. 85-86)
a.
To plant books in the fireman’s houses so they will be burned down.
Make copies of books, and burn down all the firehouses.
8. Describe the device that Faber invents. How will Montag use it? (p. 90)
a.
The shell radio, “traveling ear” Montag will wear it and Faber will be able to
listen to everything to figure out the firehouse’s weaknesses.
Section 5
Pages 93-110
Last Line of the Section: “of my house.”
Overview: Montag’s tirade against the women is his first attempt to express his
revolutionary thoughts and feelings to someone from the zombie-world. He realizes he
has made an error, and this makes him nervous at the fire station, where Beatty tells
him about a “dream” he had. Beatty spits out literary quotes that contradict one another
and completely confuse Montag.
QUESTIONS:
1.
Describe the conversation between Millie and her friends. (p.93)
a. Everyone just repeats one another.
2. What does Montag do that irritates the women? (p. 94)
a. He turned off the walls.
b. He reads a poem and Mrs. Phelps cried.
3. Describe Mrs. Bowles’ parenting methods. (p. 96)
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
a. She puts the children in school 9 out of 10 days. They only are home 3 days
per month. While home they are left in the parlor.
4. Describe the superficial voting practices of the women. (pp. 96-97)
a. They vote for the better-looking man.
5. What does Montag say to Mrs. Bowles just before she leaves? (p. 101)
a. To go home and think about her 1st hubby (divorced), 2nd hubby (killed in a jet),
3rd hubby (suicide) her dozen abortions, c-sections and children who hate her.
6. How is Montag greeted by Beatty at the firehouse? (pp. 104-105)
a. Beatty was waiting for him. He jokes with Montag and calls him a fool and
burned the book he gave him.
7. What address is typed out on the alarm report? (p110)
a. Montag’s house.
“The Sieve and the Sand” Writing Assignment:
Choose ONE of the following prompts and write a response that is at least one
well-developed paragraph in length.
1. Faber talks about the newspapers “dying like huge moths” (p. 89). Reread the rest of
this paragraph. Then compare and contrast a daily newspaper with a sensationalistic
tabloid. Which one would exist in the world of Fahrenheit 451? What other reading
materials available today (including internet pieces) would be allowed to remain?
2. Reread Beatty’s speech about his dream (pp. 106-107). Choose the quote you think
has the most impact on Montag and explain why.
“Burning Bright”
Section 6
Pages 113-136
Last Line of the Section: “toward the river.”
Overview: This section can be easily understood on a symbolic level. As he burns his
house and then turns his torch on Beatty, Montag is also burning his past and any
possibility of continuing his old life. (CLIMAX) When Montag realizes that Beatty wants
to die, the reader sees that Beatty has a second self, too, one perhaps very similar to
the person Montag is becoming. As Montag hears the announcement that the threat of
war is now a declared reality, he begins his own battle. He argues with himself and even
considers giving up. As he takes the books to Black’s house and phones in the alarm,
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
he acts as a sort of behind-the-lines rebel. The ten-lane highway he crosses is like a
battlefield, and the children in the car want to kill him even though they have no idea
who he is, just as young soldiers in battle kill enemy soldiers. By the time he arrives at
Faber’s, Montag is energized and in charge of his life. He is doing his own thinking now.
His heroism even makes the frail Faber “feel alive.”
QUESTIONS:
1.
Why does Bradbury compare the scene at Montag’s house to a carnival?
a.
Everyone was standing around watching like it was a party at a carnival.
2.
How does Beatty describe Clarisse? (113-114)
a.
As a do gooder, holier-than-thou, her family brainwashed her.
3.
What does Mildred regret losing in the fire? (114)
a.
Her “family” in the screens. She says, “My ‘family’ is people. They tell me
things: I laugh, they laugh! And the colors!”
4.
Who turned in the alarms? (114)
a.
Mildred
5.
How does Beatty discover the two-way radio? (118)
a.
Beatty hit Montag & it flew out of his ear. Beatty heard Faber talking.
6.
What happens to Montag’s leg that it becomes “a numbness in a numbness
hollowed into a numbness”? (120)
a.
The hound injected him and a car hit him going 90 miles per hour.
7.
What two announcements does Montag hear on the Seashell radio? (124)
a.
Police Alert: He was a wanted fugitive with his description.
b.
Watch for a man running alone on foot
8. What happens when Montag crosses the highway? (127)
b.
A car full of kids comes very close to hitting him.
9.
Where will Faber be going on the 5:00 A.M. bus? (132)
a.
To St. Louis to see a retired printer.
Section 7
Pages 137-154
Last Line of the Section: “putting out the fire together.”
Overview: Montag’s ability to monitor his own crisis by watching it on neighborhood
televisions is supreme irony. Notice the significance of the river: Water, the enemy of
fire, saves Montag from being destroyed by the Hound, the creation of a world gone
mad. Montag finally has time to escape from the chaos of the past week, and he is now
given the time to consider it all—the “leisure to digest” that Faber tells him about. The
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
river and the fresh forest air are purifying, and the pace of the novel slows down. The
campfire in the forest is a warming one, not a burning one. As Montag watches the
televised death of an innocent pedestrian, he is further freed from the past.
QUESTIONS:
What new “game” does the police invent?
a.
A game of chase. Have everyone look out of his or her doors and
windows at the same time.
1.
2.
What does Montag’s desperate flight remind him of?
a. All of the things that he hated from the society. How bland it was.
3.
What does Montag think about as he drifts down the river? (141)
a.
An old barn that he went to as a child.
b.
Everything was burning and they needed to stop burning.
c.
The river serves as a symbol of rebirth. Prior to him floating down the river
everything was crazy and he felt panic. After he gets out of the river he was calmer.
4.
What terrifies Montag as he steps onto land?(140-141)
a.
A deer that he thinks is the hound being there
b.
the quiet and getting caught.
5.
What does Granger give Montag to throw the Hound off his track? (147)
a.
Colorless fluid to drink: it will change the chemical index of his
perspiration to throw off the hound because the hound tracks prey through smell.
What “snap ending” had to be created for the “chase show” on TV? (148-149)
a.
The police tag a guy who walks the same route daily. They arrest him on
the news so people would believe the police caught him.
6.
7.
Who are the members of the group that Montag meets in the woods? (p. 150)
a.
They all intellectuals. They have all read books and memorized them.
Once they are done with the book they burn it.
Section 8
Pages 154-165
Last Line of the Section: “putting out the fire together.”
Overview: Granger’s speech about his grandfather ranks in importance with the
speeches of Faber and Beatty. The idea that it is what we do in life that matters is worth
thinking about. In fact, Montag realizes he doesn’t miss Mildred because she never did
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1
a thing. Montag is a little disappointed that the men in the forest aren’t action-oriented.
Compared to them, he seems idealistic and full of energy to make changes. After the
bombs destroy the city, (these are bombs from enemy war planes.) Granger cynically
says that it’s history repeating itself in another cycle of destroy-and-rebuild, and he
reminds the men to always keep in mind that they are nothing. Bradbury makes a valid
point here about learning from past mistakes. (Hint: Is there anything to note on your list
of quotes and page numbers?)
QUESTIONS:
1.
Why does Granger tell Montag the story about his grandfather? (155-156)
a. To make the point “ Everyone must leave something behind when he dies.”
2.
What does Montag picture Mildred doing during the bomb blast? (159)
a. He pictured her in the hotel talking to the screens and the hotel collapse on her.
3.
Where is Faber when the bombs hit? (159)
a. On a 5 am bus in the deep valleys of the country somewhere heading to St.
4.
How is the legend of the phoenix related to the story? (p. 163)
a. The Phoenix would do the same thing over and over again, which they were as
well, they want to change it. They want to use their knowledge for good.
b. The Phoenix can endure fire without burning.
5.
Discuss the meaning and importance of building a mirror factory. (164)
a. The mirror factory is a symbol that society should take a closer look at
them.
.
Final Writing Assignment:
Choose ONE of the following prompts and write a response that is at least three
well-developed paragraphs in length. Each paragraph must be a minimum of 5
sentences.
1. There are several examples of irony in Fahrenheit 451. Choose at least three
examples and explain how Bradbury’s use of irony reinforces a theme.
Examples of irony:
 The firemen start fires and frighten people in the novel. They should put them
out and save people.
 The guys in the forest are against burning books and they burn them.
Fahrenheit 451 Assignment: Level 1


Beatty calls books treacherous weapons, yet he uses his own book learning
to manipulate Montag. He reads them to learn why they are bad and should
not be read.
Mildred considers the actors on the TV to be her “family”, but she is
neglecting her real family while watching TV.
Ray Bradbury felt that television was going to dumb us down and people would stop
reading.
2. Review the dialogue of the “zombie” characters (Mildred and her friends; the hospital
handymen). Compare their conversations to those of Faber and Montag, Montag and
Clarisse, and Montag and Granger.
3. Explain Bradbury’s purpose in writing Fahrenheit 451. How does the theme relate to
your world?
4. Montag reads Mildred a definition of friendship. Which characters in the novel qualify
as Montag’s friends? Support your ideas with details from the novel.
5. The symbols in Fahrenheit 451 add another dimension to the novel. Explain at least
three of the following symbols: fire, water, war, phoenix, salamander.