.jpg)
What stands out to you from the last 10 pages of the novel? Is there resolution for Montag? What is Ray Bradbury trying to convey about a censored society? Choose a passage that really spoke to you and revealed some meaning/a larger understanding about Montag or the book in general.2) Don't forget to respond to someone else's post! Answer their questions, or pose a question of your own!
"'And hold onto one thought: You're not important. You're not anything. Someday the load we're carrying us may help someone.'" (Bradbury 163-4).
ReplyDeleteThis passage reveals a lot to me because it foreshadows, and talks a lot about the book itself, and what happens in it. I think what Granger is saying is that they all need to sacrifice themselves if needs be, in order to insure a better future. Montag does matter a lot, but he's also expendable. He is important, but isn't more valuable than any other man. This connects at earlier points in the book when Beatty gives montag the speech that every firefighter goes through a certain phase. Even though we're the most important person in our own lives (sometimes not all of the time), we're not the most important person in general. That also connects and is true with the real world. We can't go around acting like we're special, because we're not. It also kind of sums up how the government acted. They really treat all of their citizens terribly. They fool everyone into believing they're happy with their lives, that they matter, when in reality the government has very little care for them.
I think the quote you chose means that the knowledge they all bear is more important than the fact that they are the ones who have that knowledge. They are expendable, as you said, it is the knowledge which has importance. I agree that it also reflects how the government treated their citizens. They made everyone believe that they were so important with their parlor walls and their scripts, but in reality the government didn't care about them at all, and were lying to them. They didn't even inform them on the situation of the war, and most likely knew that sooner or later they would be wiped out by bombs, but chose to keep that information from the people.
DeleteI agree with both of your opinions. I strongly, though, agree with the idea that the quote means the knowledge they have is more important that the fact, as Teo said, that they are the ones who know the knowledge. They shouldn't get caught up in the idea that they're special and important because the knowledge they carry is what will change people and the world. They just have the privilege of knowing, they are not better then anyone. I think Granger is saying this because perhaps the government, besides making everyone think that they were important, was founded on them believing their opinions were better than anyone else's. Granger I think doesn't want the same thing to happen to them because too much of self esteem isn't good so he's making sure they know where the stand. He's making sure they know that the knowledge is important and irreplaceable.
Delete"Montag began walking and after a moment found that the others had fallen in behind him, going north. He was surprised, and moved aside to let Granger pass but Granger looked at him and nodded him on. Montag went ahead." (157)
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because I think it said a lot about who Montag has become and who he will be in the future. After less than a day with these men Montag has become a leader to them. They insistently began to follow him which shows that Montag is a natural leader. He was a fireman so for them to follow him shows how far he has come and how he has changed from being a leader of burning books to a leader of preserving books. He has been accepted as one of them and because he has probably had to go through much more than them he has gained their respect and trust. I believe this quote also foreshadowed to the fact that Montag will become either the main or co- leader for this revolution. If he is able to lead this men then it is very probable that he will lead more men. His devotion and sacrifice to preserving books has made him a person that people, who believe in his cause, will look up to and follow.
I agree with you that Montag has truly changed which shows how far knowledge can get you. Montag is still Montag and he has always had the same amount of potential. However after Clarisse gave him the final push he needed, he started opening his eyes and was able to become this leader trying to show the way to others.
DeleteI completely agree with you. Montag it seems will play a key roll in the reconstruction of the city and a important member in the rebellion.
DeleteTomas Benincasa
DeleteI also believe that this is the first truly independent discussion. Before this he needed Favor or Granger or Clarisse to guide him and his thoughts. I believe that this shows, as you all said, that he has grown and become an individual.
I also believe that it is less of him being a Natural leader, and more of him finally being confident about his decision. I think that we naturally follow people who have confidence and show strength. I feel that in this case, He doesn't doubt himself while others do, and he shows courage. I feel that because others gravitate to that, he becomes a leader.
"And on either side of the river was there a tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (165)
ReplyDeleteThis quote ties back to this theme of things being 'two sides of the same coin'. This reoccurs through fire, water and silence. They all can be good and bad. This passage suggests that destruction and construction can work together. When thinking of the context, Montag is thinking to himself , "When we reach the city" I'll share this quote. The city has just been demolished to the point that there is practically nothing left there and Montag is thinking of a quote about healing which could be found on wither sides of the river. Destruction and construction is also brought up in the passage about the Phoenix. What's also interesting is the river part of it. The river is symbolizing this gap between the city and the nature (the forest where Montag is). Another thing which Bradbury speaks of in the Coda is the growing gap between nature and men. This last passage is very significant because Montag also seems to reveal that when you are dependent of something for long, it's hard to try and be on your own afterwards. He's been looking for something to follow like the train tracks and the passage about the ground during the explosion (p.161) and now he is ready to bring hope through this quote which is about new beginnings and construction after destruction.
When I read this I thought it was very interesting and also the idea of a two sided coin. That one idea it is the same wile it is different also. That it can have different faces but be worth the same thing. Also i was thinking that the river on both sides can also hold water and life with at little time. But I do agree with what you are saying and yore point I found very resistible.
Delete"Come on now, we're going to build a mirror factory first and put out nothing but mirrors for the next year and take a long look in them." Pp 164
ReplyDeleteAt first when I read this quote I wasn't sure if Granger was serious about making a real mirror factory and now upon further thought I now think it is only a metaphor. This quote foreshadows the journey ahead for Montag and his rag tag group of rememberers. This quote tells us that this group of men will never let the world forget their mistakes, all the ways they have gone wrong and all the times they have forgotten knowledge. Granger wants whoever survived in the city, the loved ones of those lost, the politicians, and the crazy children who murder each other and the wives who only listen to the parlor walls and the politicians who only won because of their looks to never forget what burning books and the words of people with minds has done to our world. This is the beginning of a new world in their society.
"'There was a silly damn bird called a phoenix back before Christ, every few hundred years he built a pyre and burnt himself up... But every time he burnt himself up he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over again. And it looks like we're doing the same thing, over and over, but we've got one damn thing the phoenix never had. We know the damn silly thing we just did'" (Bradbury 163).
ReplyDeleteThis passage stood out to me because it shows that there is resolution for Montag, and hope for a new start. Granger says that they know what caused them to burn in the "pyre", which is something the phoenix didn't know. Because of that, Montag and the survivors can rebuild a better society that won't make the same mistakes that this one did. They can rise out of their ashes and create a new world without the flaws that destroyed the old one. So Ray Bradbury conveys that even in the most censored society, there will still be a few who see the mistakes, and are willing to fix them.
I agree with you Teo but I think that all people see the mistakes they make but are scared into admitting to them by the government and socierty, and Ray is speaking for everyone by saying that we see our mistakes and can correct them.
Delete"I remember. Montag clung to the earth. I remember. Chicago. Chicago a long time ago. Mille and I. That's where we met! I remember now. Chicago. A long time ago," (Bradbury 160).
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because it shows that Montag isn't apart of the brain washed society in which he grew up in. Earlier in the book montage couldn't remember where he and Mildred (his wife) met. Montag also said earlier in the book that he wouldn't cry if she died. Mildred is somewhere unknown, Montag is worrying about her, there also at war. Before Montag remembers where they met, Granger was telling Montag that he didn't cry for the person when they died, he cried for the memories and things they did, he also said something about when the time comes you can remember something you need or want to. Montag was worried before because he didn't really remember anything about Mildred. But since there being attacked and at war, and Mildred might die and if she did Montag wanted to remember something about her besides her gray personality. Montag remembered where the met, they met in chicago. (Im sorry if this didn't make sense.)
I agree with what you're saying completely. I think that Montag just needed an event where he knew there was a great chance where his wife, and one of his best friends had a good chance of dying. Throughout the book, I thought that Montag didn't love Mildred, but this part shows he does, I think he just needed an event to get the love out of him.
DeleteI chose this quote also and had a different view on it; however i totally agree with you. Montag I think that Montag really does care for Mildred and at one point Mildred also cared for Montag but I think they both loved each other when they met in Chicago; however, as time went on. There relationship starts to deteriorate because of the governments brainwashing and censorship.
Delete"She saw her own face reflected there, in a mirror instead of a crystal ball, and it was such a wildly empty face, all by itself in the room, touching nothing, starved and eating of itself, that at last she recognized it as her own and looked quickly up at the ceiling as it and the entire structure of the hotel blasted down upon her…"
ReplyDeleteThis passage stood out to me so much because it's showing how Mildred finally saw herself. It shows that if you really look far enough/deep enough there is a person underneath all the brainwashing. If you truly want to you can see yourself for who you really are not for who the government molded you to be. Whats even more significant though, is the fact that in herself she just sees empty. She realizes that she is nothing she is just an empty face. People saying before your die your "life flashes before your eyes" i feel like Mildred had one of these moments and her life was nothing.
I agree 100% with what you're saying. This whole book, I sensed the feeling that even though Mildred was written to be the bad guy, there was always a part of her that was regretting how she gave up to society, and I think the "life flashing before your eyes when you're dying" was just a wake up call. It was obviously really late, but it's nice to know she got to realize that before she went.
DeleteI agree with you both, but I also think that it’s not only Mildred regretting living an empty life, but Montag feeling regret for her empty life. I believe that Montag is upset by Mildred’s death, but not because he would miss her – he even says: “It’s strange, I don’t miss her, it’s strange I don’t feel much of anything,” (p. 148). Instead, I think he’s upset because he feels sorry for her and her meaningless life. He knows that she would leave the world not having contributed anything, and this saddens him. Just after Granger talks about how important it is to leave your mark on the world, Montag realizes that Millie didn’t make any sort of significant difference, and he suddenly feels regret for her.
Delete"City looks like a heap of baking powder. It's gone." (162)
ReplyDeleteThis stood out to me because it is big moment in the background and the fact that thousands of people lost their lives in one moment while they think the war is going fine they really are in extreme danger and did not realize it at all because they died in an instant. And the government did not do anything to protect them, if they are there to protect the people and keep them happy, then why did they let them get nuked?
I think the government thought by not telling them it would make them happier because they dont want them to worry. The government also probably didnt have much information about what was going on and usually when you get hit by an atomic bomb there isn't warning
DeleteI sort of disagree with you. I think Bradbury is saying that the city is brainwashed by the government, which makes the city empty and “gone.” In addition, I think Ray Bradbury is trying to say that the city is empty and only filled with brainwashed, boring and controlled people. In many parts of the book we see that Bradbury is relating Mildred and the rest of the society to a newspaper and the color gray to show that they are the same, plain and powerless, I think he is also saying that here
Delete"I don't belong with you," said Montag, at last, slowly. "I've been an idiot all the way."
ReplyDelete"We're used to that. We all made the right kind of mistakes, or we wouldn't be here. When we were separate individuals, all we had was rare. I struck a fireman when he came to burn my library years ago. I've been running ever since. You want to join us, Montag?"
"Yes." (pg. 143 in the 60th anniversary edition)
This particular passage stood out to me because it was just after Montag's fake death took place. I would've wrote about that, but the fact that these people reunited with each other to fight for the same cause (in something that today might seem pointless) and have the faith that can overcome a power as strong and scary as their government. It really sounded inspiring, and it gave me the notion that everything we've been talking about in class is true: this is more than just about books--this is about life.
"I remember. Montag clung to the earth. I remember. Chicago. Chicago a long time ago. Mille and I. That's where we met! I remember now. Chicago. A long time ago," (Bradbury 160). This quote stood out to me for many reason. In the beginning of the novel, Montag, doesn’t remember where he met his wife, Mildred and now we see that he does. He finally had a time to think and get of a his brainwashed society and change. In the last part of the book we see a lot of change occurring within Montag, he is remembering things he didn’t before, burning out the fire instead of creating it and thinking about Mildred. Also, I find it interesting that Bradbury decided to add this in, it was far in the beginning when Bradbury stated Montag didn’t know where they met, why did add it? What does it say about Montag and how escaping his society? On a different point, I think this is a good ending for the book, Montag has a resolution. Lastly, I think Ray Bradbury is trying to say that people can overcome the brainwash and change. This book was very interesting and fun to read!
ReplyDeleteYes, that quote stood out to me as well! It shows us that Montag has finally escaped the grip of his dystopian society and has found a way to open new parts of his brain. He is finally thinking and recalling the earlier events of his life. It is normal to reminisce, after all. He has built up the courage to do so.
Delete"I'll hold onto the world tight someday. I've got one finger on it now; that's a beginning." (162)
ReplyDeleteEven though the book has come to a conclusion, we notice that Montag is only beginning his journey. He is starting to contemplate things that are of value and that really matter. He thinks of the world as a whole and what he has yet to see. I am so glad to have met the new and improved Montag and his open perspective. What about you all? I can honestly say that I think Ray Bradbury concluded the novel in a way that inspires us to do and accomplish more. He is telling us to be curious overall.
Tomas Benincasa
ReplyDelete"No one can help me. Not even you." (Bradbury 179)
I feel that this quote is important because it sums up the whole of the book. I feel that this book wasn't about censorship and the distopian society, but rather the process of one becoming an individual. The book focuses on Montag's struggle to make his own decisions and separate himself from the society that he hates so much. I feel this is shown through his murdering of Beatty and his interaction with Mildred's friends. I feel that this quote wraps it up because it shows that Montag's individuality could only come from him, because if he copied anyone else, he wouldn't be one of kind.
I agree with you Tomas I think that this book was about one becoming an individual but I think it was less about how Montag became an individual but rather how corrupt, unknowledgeable, and emotionless you became when you aren't an individual. I agree with you this book does focus on Montag's struggle to make his own decisions, but also it focuses on the affects of not becoming an individual.
DeleteI completely agree with you, Tomas. Throughout this book, Montag is trying to find his place in society and strives to be differdnt from the people around him. I also agree with you, Jenasia. It focuses on he affects of not being an individual which can be very difficult to determine.
Delete"The first bomb struck.
ReplyDeleteMildred!."
(Bradbury 152)
Why does Montag seem suddenly to be able to bridge the distance between Mildred and himself?
Throughout the entire book, Montag seems to growing apart from Mildred. He thinks of her as empty, or blank, or non-interesting. He isn't even that upset when she tries to commit suicide. But when he realizes the city is going to be destroyed, he thinks first of her. I understand she is his wife, but she did turn him in to the fireman, cause their house to be burned down, and had a part in forcing him to evade the police. Also Montag doesn't think about if Mildred will worry when he runs away, and doesn't make any effort to contact her to tell her where he is. However in this section, Mildred seems to very much on his mind. Montag remembers where they met. I think Bradbury is trying to say love doesn't just go away. Montag obviously loved Mildred at some point, and Bradbury is saying that love is still there, it just needed something to bring it out.
"And on either side of the river was there a tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." ( Bradbury 165)
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a very important quote, we were talking about the river in class and why its significant and what it means, how it was the the first time that Montag felt "real", this was obviously a very important part of the story because this becomes Montag's inspiration for rest of the book. Driving force is very important in a story, its what moves the story on, an interesting drive for a story is what makes a story interesting, it what makes people actually care about your characters and what they zfe doing in your story, because it is very important to ask why. Why does Montag have this drive to fond out more and more about this society? because he is curious, and becomes more and more curious, this point in the story is where his curiousness becomes understanding.
" Montag held the bombs in the sky for a single moment, with his mind... ' Run! ' he cried out to Faber... To Clarisse... To Mildred, ' Get out, get out of there! ' " (Bradbury 158).
ReplyDeleteThis passage stood out to me because it showed what this was really trying to say. For example, there is about to be a bomb explosion and Montag isn't really thinking about himself, but rather other people he cared for. I think this shows that Montag is what all of the people in this "society" really want to be. The reason I put society in quotes is because this isn't really a society, but rather a place where all these people just happen to live in. Anyways just like in he beginning if the book, where Montag was proud of what he did and happy with he routine he had wih his life he changed or not really changed but is true self was really brought out. I think this reflects the whole society because in this society where everyone is the same they are all technically different but don't want to show it because they would become an outcast and who wants to be an outcast. I think they all admired Montag for what he did, but didn't want to say anything and that would be going against the government and who wants to go against the government when everyone is apparently on their side.
I agree! And not only he thinks about the people her cares about, but I imagine him also presenting the bombs saying, "this is for our society." He wants to use it as revenge for the people that were against him, the people that didn't believe in him and wanting to change the society like Clarisse.
Delete"The sound of its death came after." (p. 160)
ReplyDeleteThis quote really stood out to me, it can have many meanings and go opposite directions. Who is he talking to? What is his point he is trying to get across? I know this is in third-person perspective, but it sounds like something Montag would say himself, that was inspired from a book. I'm still not sure on what this quote means (if you know please explain, this quote is getting me stressed that I don't know the meaning of it), because we all know bradbury and his powerful quotes bring up a totally different new idea, just like with the fire, and the water. I think of the word "sound" in this quote trying to explain the reaction or result of the non-existing city. I don't think the word death in this quote really means the death of the many people, and the city collapsing, but to all of the competition, the controversy, the careless people, everything that stressed out Montag and what Clarisse was afraid of. Another thought I have of this quote is that if I were in the perspective of Montag (in his mind), I would think that he would listen to the sound of the war and he would be in relief, to see the people distracted, actually showing real, powerful emotions (because no one had emotions except for him and clarisse) to be able to fight in a war, and that they would do what ever to fight for their belief, that Montag wasn't the only one to support his belief, and that when the war is over (the sound of its death coming after) he feels free, hoping maybe when the people were fighting in the war, they were thinking of why they were doing it and realizing that it can be settled in a different way. Maybe, to have a mind like Montag's, and think of more of their reputation, and why do what they did before.
I honestly think when he says the sound of its (the city) death came after, he is talking about the sounds of screams and buildings collapsing and a huge rush of sounds that include running and pushing and a large commotion after the fall out of the city and the current bombings that are happening. But I agree with your theory as well. This is just my analysis.
Delete“There was a silly damn bird called a phoneix back before Christ, every few hundred years he built a pyre and burnt himself up...But every time he burnt himself up he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over again.” (Bradbury 163)
ReplyDeleteThis passage stood out to me because it represents Montag’s perspective towards his society and references back to him burning books. Since Montag now believes that books are important and shouldn’t be burned, this shows us that even though these books are turned into ashes, they are still an important part of peoples lives. Granger is trying to say that the society can be changed and renewed into a new and improved society. The people in the society are brainwashed, but if books weren’t burned, people might have a chance to read them and have a different perspective on society and the world in general. This can be a new start for the pople and maybe Montag can be the person to change and rebel against the government.
I agree because I think Montag means that even though they made the mistake of burning books, it might be something that the society learns from. Now that society has gone through a low point they might not come back to it. How the bird burns up symbolizes the end of the life which will always lead to a rebirth, or a new chance. This is put because it's Montag hoping for a new opportunity, an opportunity were he is free to be able to think and not be hunted down
Delete“The difference between the man who just cuts the lawns and a real gardener is in the touching...The lawn-cutter might just as well not been there at all, the gardener will be there a lifetime.” (Page 143)
ReplyDeleteI think that here there is a deeper meaning trying to be conveyed about the society that Montag lives in and the change he has gone through. I believe that Montag is connecting the people who are in his society with a lawn cutter because its job is very easy and ordinary. This is saying that the people in his society are transparent in the sense that they lack knowledge and they don't contribute to the world around them. However, the gardener symbolizes the few who escaped that life of censorship and actually try to contribute to the world. The gardener makes these deep changes in a plant that will be with it forever and it is rooted into the ground. This is similar to the way that these few people's ideas are trying to help the world permanently. Also, I think that it's good that these homeless people are the ones trying to change the society because they are educated people that were once professors and the regular society only learned to watch TV all day and be violent. Lastly, I think that we really see the way Montag is a dynamic character in this passage. He is realizing that the people who will make a change in the world are the unique and educated ones who don't just "cut the grass" but they "dig" deep into their thoughts.
"And it looks like we're doing the same thing, over and over... We know all the damn silly things we've done for a thousand years... someday we'll stop making the goddamn funeral pyres and jumping in the middle of them. We pick up a few more people that remember every generation." (163)
ReplyDeleteThis quote stands out to me because Bradbury acknowledges the fact that history is repeating itself. However, unlike the phoenix, people have the chance to remember. Despite the government's efforts to make people forget history, The numbers of those who remember are growing. This ends the book with a ray of hope- That the meaningful parts of books will be carried on, rather than lost. As Faber said before, it is not the paper of books that matters, but what books teach, and so the people have found a way to carry the books with them. Each person can make their life useful, by becoming a vessel for a book. The leaders of this revolution know that just like books, bodies don't matter, the only thing that matters is the mark that a person leaves on the world. By leaving a positive impact, they get as close as possible to mattering.
I agree with you, history is repeating its self and how the government is trying to hide it but can't really. The people who remember are like books because they can spread history and there knowledge, that the government to try so hard to make everyone forget. Since these people are in the society they can't really forget the history.
Delete"For another of those impossible instants the city stood, rebuilt and unrecognizable, taller than it had ever hoped or strived to be, taller than the man ha built it, erected at last in grouts of shattered concrete and sparkles of torn metal into a mural hung like a reverse avalanche [...] then the city rolled over and fell down dead. The sound of its death came after." (160)
ReplyDeleteWhen he said, "the sound of its death came after", I feel as if he meant that people had screamed and that the sound of its buildings collapsing was the sound of "its" death. To be honest, this whole passage was so descriptive in describing the fall out of the city, I felt as if Montag was literally outside and right there in the city, just staring at the collapsing happening, but he's actually just using his imagination here. "Like a reverse avalanche" is an interesting way to describe the scene and even using the word "sparkles" to describe the torn metal. Bradbury's word choice is both contradicting yet lovely and it enhances the feelings of each sentence so much, to the point where I can pretty much see the scene in my head, myself. And when I see it, I see a city that was once so futuristic with technology all over the place and advertisements and censorship to "protect" the people's thinking finally crashing down and burning and turning into ashes. But in this case, it's the same burning that Montag does, like a destructive burning. A burning that is meant to harm, not help.
"I remember. Chicago. Chicago a long time ago. Mille and I. That's where we met! I remember now. Chicago. A long time ago," (Bradbury 160)
ReplyDeleteThis quote had really stood out to me. It really stood out to me since this is the crucial moment that Montag finally realizes where he met his wife. Although he had already split up with his wife at this point I think it is still very important that Montag realizes at this point where he met Mildred. Montag realizing where he met Mildred is really significant because it really shows the rebelious mind of Montag to suppress the governments amnesia or brainwashing of it's citizens. Unlike Mildred who has completely been brainwashed Montag has that small part of his brain that is still "Human"
I agree with you that this is a very important moment with Montag. Just to add on, I also think he remembered now because once he realized he can remember where they met, I think he realizes how much love he has for her.
DeleteQuote: "The first bomb struck.
ReplyDeleteMildred!." page 152
Question: Out of all the people Montag cares about, why does he yell for Mildred?
Im so confused to why Montag screamed Mildreds name. They were married and she didnt even know where they met or how, he seemed like he didn't care when she tried to commit suicide, she forced him to become something he didnt want to do, she never listened to him. It just doesnt make sense. Maybe because she was a part of the society in his eyes? We all know how much Montag cared for his community and the people around him. Maybe knowing his society was being destroyed hit him in a hard way, and maybe one of the best memories having in this place was being with Mildred. And seeing that being destroyed hurt him more than anything else could. I think Bradbury is trying to convey that as much as you run from your past (as Montag is doing now) it will catch back up to you (remembering Mildred in the best ways he can).
I agree that even though he says that he doesn't know her anymore, don't erase the fact that he was married to her for 10 years+ and he cannot erase the feeling of her being the first person he goes to. I also think that this contradicts the feeling when he said he wouldn't cry if she died, but I think in reality, he would because he still has deep feelings for her.
DeleteLiving with somebody for a long period of time (even if you don't like them) will eventually create a bond with them. I'm positive that Montag and Mildred have had great memories, but soon grew tired of each other. Knowing that someone, especially someone you knew well, was going to die; you would probably think about them, and feel a certain way.
Delete"This was not to be believed. It was merely a gesture. Montag saw the flirt of a great metal fist over the far city and he knew the scream of the jets that would follow, would say, after the deed, disintegrate, leave no stone on another perish. Die."(158)
ReplyDeleteThis line really stood out to me because it showed how much Montag understood the city and it's crude tactics. I think that this line really shows how much insight he has on the city by being an outsider and looking at his city from a bigger perspective. When the author says " It was merely a gesture. Montag saw the flirt of a great metal fist over the far city." This line (I think) is trying to convey that to the government of this city/opposing war side, destroying the lives of these people isn't really a big deal for them, and they call it "merely a gesture", indicating that it doesn't mean a lot. I also think that this quote shows how harsh this society is, and how demanding it is as well. The author states, " disintegrate, leave no stone on another perish. Die." This that this line in particular also relates to the time period that they are based in and how cruel it is. I also can relate this back to present day because currently there are some dictators that are very cruel and kill their citizens.
I agree with you. It's also interesting how well educated Montag has become about this society over such little time. His knowledge shows that he has evolved a lot over the course of the book in terms of his views and his grip on reality. He understands that now he is "different" than everyone else. But it seems like he is embracing this idea. Overall, Montag has changed a lot over the course of this book.
Delete“To everything there is a season. Yes. A time to break down, and a time to build up. Yes A time to keep silence and a time to speak. Yes, all that. But what else? Something, something. . . .
ReplyDeleteAnd on either side of the river was there a tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations,” (p. 158).
This quote stood out to me because I think it represents hope for a brighter future for Montag, as well as society as a whole. The lines saying there is a season to everything show that even though life comes with times of hardship, like breaking down and having to remain silent, it also comes with times of comfort and contentment, like when building something up and speaking out. The hardships in the quote represent all that has happened in Montag’s society up until the end of the book. For example, society was completely bland, and everyone was mindless and “empty”. And with the war, cities all around the world were destroyed, leading to a broken down civilization. However, the book ends with the hope of a new society being created by the many groups of people who have memorized books, showing “a time to build up”. Additionally, Montag had just come from a time when he was unable to speak out and when everyone around him had no voices and ideas of their own. However, now he is with a group of people where he can voice his ideas and no longer has to keep silent. Similarly, the quote about the trees of life shows that there is now hope for a lively and peaceful society. Overall, I think that this quote shows that even though human beings – or society as a whole – go through ‘bad’ periods of time, like in Montag’s previous society, it is natural for them to be able to push through into more promising times.
"He did not move any farther, however. The other men did likewise.The sun touching the black horizon with a faint red tip." pg.155
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this quote it made me think. Mostly because he said" the black horizon..." when you think of a horizon you don't think of a black on. You would think of and orange red one but I think that this one is black because in this society it has taken color in a way and color makes part if you who you are. When we think of color we think of life and energy but here there is no life and not originality. That is why I think Ray Bradbury is using the word black because black takes up every thing around it so it is all one color nothing is its own color.
"I remember. Montag clung to the earth. I remember. Chicago. Chicago a long time ago. Millie and I. That's where we met! I remember now. Chicago. A long time ago." (160)
ReplyDeleteFor me, this passage represents a few things. Montag seems to be happy about how he remembered this fact. I think that this means that he is happy that he has found at least some connection to Millie in the first place, and that he knows that he was in fact happy with Mildred even if it was a little, as he seemed to be seeking. Another thing is that he is able to remember this after so many years. This probably means that he is no longer distracted with his old life as much, and he goes though more emotions now. Lastly, it provides almost a sort of closure on Montag and Mildred's relationship. Montag did mention that he wanted to know where they did meet, and now that he has figured it out, he can let go his emotions about her. Also by knowing this fact, he knows that they did love each other at some point during their lives.
I totally agree with you here Hugo. When Montag realized that he wouldn't be upset if he died, he realized maybe he didn't love her as much as he hoped. Remembering this made him believe that even if he didn't always lover her, at one point he did. At one point she wasn't the brainwashed woman she became but a normal woman with a great personality. I think this made Montag feel better about himself because he no longer felt like just another robot in this society.
Delete" The men lay gasping like fish laid out on the grass. They held to the earth as children hold to familiar things, no matter how cold or dead, no matter what has happened or will happen, their fingers were clawed into the dirt, and they were all shouting to keep their eardrums from bursting, to keep their sanity from bursting, mouths open, Montag shouting with them, a protest against the wind that ripped their faces and tore at their lips, making their noses bleed (pg. 161)."
ReplyDeleteThis passage stood out to me because of the reference to hands. Hands have already been referred as something different from your brain, by having a mind of it's own. The hands in this passage are now also being referred to symbolizes a shear bit of hope even when already down. Also the graphic design of that Bradbury makes for the reader. I think when the people have to shout to keep their eardrums from bursting, I think it means more to how when 2 people trying to survive and live with one another, they always have to be on the same level, even if the level is good or bad, to be able to stay alive. Also how the suffering humans are described as fish out of water, it gives a sense of how water is seen as a good thing and essential to survival. I think water is the opportunity to think because of how it relaxes you and just makes you brain explore.
"They held to the earth as children hold to familiar things, no matter how cold or dead, no matter what has happened or what will happen."
ReplyDeleteThis line really stood out to me because it relates to the entire book. Throughout the book Montag says that the people in this society are lifeless and gray which means the same thing as cold and dead. I think that Bradbury is saying here that the people of this society are clinging onto this lifestyle because it is whats familiar to them. It is what they know. It is all they know. The people fear change because they think it might bring them into danger, just like Montag and Clarisse rebelling against society brought them into danger. Put them in danger of being made an outcast which can lead to suspicion or even death.
"Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, youre there. It doesnt matter what you do, he said, as long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something from the way it was before you touched it into something thats like you after you take your hand away." 149
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because it shows how Bradbury is trying to reveal that everything you do within your life truly matters no matter how big or small the deed is. Not only that, but it shows that no one in this particular society knows how to express themselves, unless they have a leader- like his grandfather- to show the child/teen how to thrive off of true reality. This quote is very heart felt because it gives u the reminder to not let anyone change you, and to always show your true colors. The reason why you wouldnt/shouldnt ever stop is because you know that if you did, everyone around you would begin their demise of honesty as well.
"What did you give to the city, Montag?"
ReplyDelete"Ashes."
"And what did the others give to each other?"
"Nothingness" page 156.
This quote really stood out to me, because it's Montag basically saying everything about this society that we did in class. He is straight out saying that these people gave nothing to society, nothing to each other, and nothing to themselves. They love worthless lives, and have not feeling, or empathy for one another. This is shown when Montag Is running from the Hound. Everyone does exactly as they are told, and don't cut Montag any slack. In society, we the citizens are one, and we should never turn on each other. The other part of this quote is Montag saying that he gave ashes to the world. He feels like he was one of the people that ruined, rather than saved the world. He quite literally "burned the world", and you can see that he regrets that; by the tone of his voice. Who can blame Montag. He was a follower, but he luckily realized that, and made a change for the better.
Lucas Taylor
DeleteI completely agree with you Frank. It's funny, because it really does sum up the complete dystopian aspect of 451. It's almost saying "Hey, if you didn't pick up on this before, now I'm telling you!" I'm not sure I agree with you about turning on each other though... I understand what you mean, but it almost sounds like you're saying we should go as far as to harbor fugitives/ killers etc, if they are from our town/city. Otherwise though, I agree with you.
Hi amigos jeje city
ReplyDelete