These questions are from the third chapter of Farenheit 451, "Burning Bright."
1. Where do the firemen arrive at the start of this section, and why is it described as a
‘carnival’?
2. What does Mildred’s leaving, and the way she does so, tell us about her character?
3. Beatty says, “There are no consequences and no responsibilities. Except that there are.
But let’s not talk about them, eh? By the time the consequences catch up with you, it’s
too late, isn’t it, Montag?” How might these words be relevant to an issue within your
own society, today? Explain fully.
4. Montag asserts that “Beatty wanted to die.” Why might he think this? What evidence
is there for this opinion, and to what extent do you agree?
5. Montag is nearly killed by young people driving extremely fast: what does this event
illustrate about the violence of their society?
Part TWO
6. During the chase scene, people are completely glued to their TVs. How is mass
media used in this society to entertain, distract, and mobilize people? You should fully
explain each of the three purposes.
7. What would you suggest Montag “say in a single word, a few words, that would sear all
[his society’s] faces and wake them up?”
8. What do you think is Bradbury’s purpose in including a long description of the river,
the woods, and the sky?
9. What does Montag mean when he says that he was “going away from the people who
ate shadows for breakfast and steam for lunch and vapours for supper.”
10. When Montag first steps onto land, is his response to the nature around him positive
or negative? Explain his reaction.
Part THREE
11. How is the camping fire different to the fires with which Montag is familiar?
12. What is a ‘scapegoat’? How is the scapegoat used by authorities to lie to people?
13. How would you describe and explain the community of men Montag joins at the
end of the novel? What is their purpose in life?
14. Who is Granger, and what role does he play in Montag’s journey?
15. Identify and explain one piece of life advice Granger gives Montag.
16. Were you surprised that Montag did not seem to feel grief at the thought of
Millie’s death? Explain why or why not.
17. What, according to Granger, is the hope for the world, post war?
