Exploring the Themes of Fahrenheit 451

In this section of Fahrenheit 451, Montag deals with the mysterious disappearance of Clarice and hears about a potential war. At work, he discusses the history and nature of firemen with Beatty, who presents false narratives about their origins. During a book burning, Montag impulsively steals a book. The incident leads him to reflect on his life, Clarice's influence, and the value of books, questioning the firemen's role and the worth of books that people might die for.

What event does Montag hear about on the radio while at work?

• The possibility of war

• A sports event

• A celebrity scandal

• A new law being passed

What happened to the owner of the books that were burned last week?

• He was executed

• He was imprisoned

• He escaped

• He was institutionalized

According to the false histories, who founded the firemen of America?

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

What does Montag do without thinking during the raid on the house filled with books?

• He burns the books

• He leaves the house

• He steals a book

• He calls for backup

What does the old woman do when given the chance to leave her house?

• She surrenders to the firemen

• She hides

• She sets herself and the books on fire

• She runs away

What does Beatty explain about the quote the old woman said?

• It was from a famous novel

• It was a quote from a 16th-century man burned for heresy

• It was a line from a poem

• It was a popular saying

Who has influenced Montag's thinking and critical perspective?

• His wife

• Beatty

• Clarisse

• The old woman

What historical job description does Montag question Beatty about?

• Firemen putting out fires

• Firemen rescuing people

• Firemen planting trees

• Firemen building houses

What phrase does Montag use that Beatty mocks?

• In a faraway land

• Long ago

• In the beginning

• Once upon a time

What question does the scene of the firemen raiding the old woman's home raise?

• Why are books banned?

• What makes books worth dying for?

• Who wrote the books?

• Where did the books come from?