Fahrenheit 451 Discussion

Fahrenheit 451 Discussion

by Claire Bergman

Open Ended

Use 1 to 3 words to describe the society portrayed in Fahrenheit 451.

Poll

Agree or disagree? In the book, the people’s indifference is caused by the government. 

Open Ended

Cite textual evidence.  Be sure to examine Beatty’s words on page 58: “There you have it, it didn’t come from the government down… it came from…” Government control of people’s lives is not a conspiracy of dictators or tyrants, but a consensus of everyday people.

Open Ended

Professor Faber says, “The public itself stopped reading of its own accord.” What does this reveal about society?

Open Ended

What does the indifference lead to in the novel and in real life?  Examples: a self-focused society, entertainment focus, no value for human life.

Open Ended

How are Montag’s indifferences shattered? How does he react to the apathy around him?

Poll

Agree or disagree?  Answer based on your personal opinion.

People are weak-minded; they don’t want to think for themselves and solve the troubling problems of the world. 

Open Ended

Please give an example from the novel and/or our world.

Open Ended

What happens when we are afraid to think?

Open Ended

What are the consequences for a society that is consumed in indifference, entertainment, and ignorance?

Poll

Agree or disagree? Answer based on your personal opinion.

“It is far easier to live a life of seclusion and illusion – a life where the television is reality.”

​Let's discuss this quote.

​ Page 61 (Part I)

“We’re the happiness boys…” How does this relate to a previous novel, lesson, or concept?

​Let's discuss this quote.

Page 74 (Part II)

“Maybe the books can get us halfway out of the cave.” How?

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​Let's discuss this quote.

Page 78 (Part II)

Regarding the distraction of “Dendham’s Dentrifice” – why is distraction significant in this novel and to the broader themes of this unit?​

Open Ended

Is it better to live in ignorance but be happy or to live with the hurtful truth? Let’s write individual responses for this one.