451 QUESTIONS, 20 ANSWERS

1. “The Hearth and the Salamander” seems an odd choice for a chapter title. Why do you suppose Bradbury chose it? What connections did he want to create? (hint: in mythology, the salamander is a fire lizard, said to be capable of starting and putting out fires) . I suppose Bradbury choose the salamander to show imagery. He wanted to create a connection with the main character Montag maybe.
2. The lines, “It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed” (1) tell the reader a great deal about the protagonist, Guy Montag. What assumptions can the reader make? We can assume that the protagonist is a firefighter who enjoys their job.
3. Bradbury’s use of metaphor and animal imagery begins on page one of the novel. He writes, “With the brass nozzle in his fists, with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world, the blood pounded in his head...” (1). Why would he have chosen to characterize a fire hose as a “great python?” Is the imagery positive or negative? He chooses to characterize the hose as a great python be it shoots venom that destroys and the hose doesn't shoot water it shoots kerosene. The imagery here is negative.
4. Also on the first page, we learn that Montag’s fire-helmet is inscribed with the number 451. What is the symbolic importance of this number?  The number 451 is the temperature in which paper burns. The firemen in this novel cause fires instead of preventing them.
5. Explain how Clarisse McClellan is first described. What is it about her that immediately strikes Montag? Clarisse McClellan is first described as a young fierce girl. Montage is immediately struck by her unusual opinions and interests.
6. The names “Clarisse” and “Guy” are significant. How? The names Clarisse and guy are significant because even though she only appeared at the beginning of the novel, Clarisse symbolizes everything the guy is not.
7. Clarisse questions Montag about his way of life. How does she question him, and how does he react to
   her questions? Clarisse questions if Montage is happy and if he really enjoys what he does for a living. Montag reacts very quick in an offended manner.
8. During the first conversation between Clarisse and Montag, the reader discovers several odd things about the society in which these two characters live. Describe at least three odd things we learn. Fireman cause fires, society is very depressing, people don't stop to take a good look anymore.
9. Montag employs two similes in thinking of Clarisse. What comparisons does he make and why? He compares her to other people her age and how she's very outspoken.  Everyone during this time is very kept to themselves.
10. What does Montag realize about himself after Clarisse leaves him the first time? Montag realizes that he's not happy.
11. What are “Seashells” and how does Montag’s wife, Mildred/Millie, use them? The seashells are earphones. Montag's wife uses them when Montag is speaking to her.
12. There is a stark difference between Bradbury’s first description of Clarisse and his first description of
    Mildred. What does the reference to her face (11) signify and how does it contribute to our
    understanding of both her character and the marriage between Montag and Mildred? The marriage between Montag and Mildred is very happy. They sleep in separate beds and they don't even have proper conversations. 
13. Describe the machine used on Mildred. Explain the symbolism. The machine has a tube that first slides down her throat and the other machine sucks all the blood out and replaces it with new blood. The machine used on Mildred is described as a snake.
14. Montag’s comment that “Nobody knows anyone” (14) is telling. What is the epiphany he has? That no one talks to each other anymore. Everyone is basically like a robot and doesn't pay attention to actual life.
15. Unthinkingly, Montage finds himself drawn to the window of the McClellan household. Explain the
    contrast between his house and this one. What does the contrast tell the reader about society at large? In the McClellan house, the lights are on. Their people inside have conversations and look alive. This tells the reader that society is in a way dead.
16. Montag’s confused statement, “‘I don’t know anything anymore’” (15) signifies a pivotal moment in the
    text. Explain. He doesn't know who he really is. He now is aware of his unhappiness. He doesn't know why he chooses the job he does. 
17. When Mildred wakes up from her near-death experience, she does not seem to remember what
    happened. Describe her mood at this point. Why has Bradbury characterized her this way? What does
    Millie’s conversation with Montag reveal about her? Her mood is very calm and unaware of what just happened. She does wake up hungry. Bradbury describes her as a forgetful uncaring person. The conversation with Montag reveals that she's selfish.
18. Why does Clarisse visit the psychiatrist? Clarisse visits the psychiatrist to keep people from thinking she is crazy.
19. What is “the Hound” and what is its function? Why is Montag bothered by the Hound? The hound is a mutant robot dog. The hound is used to search for books. Montag is bothered by the hound because is always growls at him.
20. Why does the woman want to stay-- and burn, and die--with her books, rather than surrender to the fireman and leave the books and her home to burn? Her life revolves around books. Without them she feels dead. She rather leave with them, then to feel alone.