D-BAND: FAHRENHEIT 451 (PP. 18-31)
For tonight's blog, please choose a line from the text, quote it (with the page number), and then ask a question based off of this line. Then, try to answer your own question. Dig deep. Perhaps try out a couple of potential answers. Perhaps, in your answer, provide a piece of textual evidence. YOU MUST ALSO RESPOND TO A CLASSMATE'S QUESTION.
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" I wouldn't do a thing like that. Why would I do a thing like that?" (Pg.19)
ReplyDeleteWhy does Mildred not believe it when Montag says that she over dosed on sleeping pills? I think that it might be because she does not want to believe it. I think that she does not want to have to think about anything negative. Then later when Montag tries say why Mildred might have taken so many sleeping pills she says that it would be crazy for her to do so, so then she wouldn't. Another reason that she might have denied taking all of the sleeping pills is because she does not want to have to think about that fact that she might be a danger to herself. Lastly, Mildred might have known that she over dosed on the pills but she did not want to admit to Montag that she did because it seems like Montag and Mildred have some trust issues. Montag talks about his wife, never in a positive way thought, just in comparison to Clarisse. So that could be another reason that Mildred does not believe it when she says that it would be crazy for her to take all of the pills. I think that Clarisse is a very peculiar character and she will end up running into more incidents like this.
I agree there is definitely some doubt in Mildred’s voice when she denies knowing that she overdosed. She could be in denial of the fact she is somewhat suicidal and might even be embarrassed to share with Montag. I also agree that there are some trust issues between Montag and Mildred because Montag seems as if he is caring for Mildred and trying to protect her even though she is hiding stuff from Montag. Montag is probably very worried about his wife and is probably afraid of what might happen next and it seems as if Montag is very alone in this world especially because it seems like he doesn’t have too much of a connection with his wife.
DeleteI agree that Mildred's reaction is odd. If someone were to tell you that you almost killed yourself, I would think that you would be a little more shaken. Mildred just denies it, I don't think that she wants to look into the deeper meaning behind this. I am also skeptical of Mildred and Montag's relationship, I don't think that they love each other anymore. Earlier in the book Montag admits to himself that he isn't happy, maybe part of the reason why is because he isn't happy in his marriage.
DeleteClarisse has had a huge impact on Montag already and I feel that she will continue making Montag rethink his decisions. The futuristic world they live in must be very dull and very boring, with literature not allowed and ideas are limited. Even the art work is all abstract with no real meaning behind any of the paintings. Clarisse Is very interested in the past when the world wasn’t like this and she hears these stories from her uncle. “But they all say the same things, and nobody says anything different from anybody else” (31) Here you can see what Clarisse is trying to get at; she is trying to get at the fact that their world is very boring. The idea is brought up that whoever is in charge in this dystopian society doesn’t not want these people learning about whatever is going on, however the stricter the rules are, the more people want to rebel, but these people grew up and were raised in this society so this is all they know, but since Clarisse is getting curious and sharing this with Montag I feel it won’t be long before he fully agrees with what she is saying.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Chris the futuristic is very dull and boring because if people don't have opinions, thoughts or even ideas about life or things that impact their life, then it is pretty boring. The fact that even ideas are limited makes the world even more boring because people are restricted to share and communicate their ideas to the rest of their world.
Delete"'No, no,' he said. 'It was a good question. It's been a long time since anyone has cared enough to ask."(Page 29)
ReplyDeleteHow has Clarisse changed Montag's perspective on the world so far?
This quote made me think about the impact that Clarisse has made on Montag. Clarisse has been walking with Montag for a week or two I believe at this point and she has already made a huge impact on how Montag sees the world. When Clarisse asks Montag why he doesn't have children of his own, if he enjoys their company so much, it brings up things that Montag has never really talked about before. I think that Montag realizes that him and his wife, Mildred, don't really have a lot of communication, he knew that she didn't want kids, but I don't think that he ever questioned that decision. In addition to having him question his relationship with his wife, Clarisse has made him think about his happiness and things like the billboards, I see Montags perspective on his life slowly changing.
I think that Clarisse has not really changed Montag’s view on the world, but instead brought to the surface his own subconscious. He has always felt these things but he has kept them inside of him. He might not have even known that he had ever not loved his wife or had never thought about reading a book. He is changed because Clarisse “illuminates” his inner self. One way that this is apparent is after they begin to talk for the second time and she brings up why he even got into being a firefighter. He shuts her off because he doesn’t want to think about the answer. It disturbs him. Jus like when she said he doesn’t love anybody. He also shows that he believes in Clarisse. This may be why he even trusts her enough to let her ask these questions. He trusts her so much, or at least believes in what she is saying, to lean his head back and try to drink the rain He wants to see for himself if what she is saying and implying about him is true.
DeleteI think that Clairsee hasn't changed world Montag's perspective but changed how he viewed what he was doing to this world. Montag job is basically to stop people from thinking so when Clairsse was making him think he was happy to see that.
DeleteI agree that Montags perspective is slowly starting to change. We have only read 30 pages and his personality has changed. Right after Montag met Clarisse he stated changing. He starts opening up to the reader more, at the begining of the book all you know about Montag is that he burns books for a living. I think that Clarisse will be a very influential character and she will be one of the people that changes Montag's perspective.
Delete“‘I am, very much in love!’ He tried to conjure up a face to fit the words, but there was no face. ‘I am!’” (Bradbury, 34-35)
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How can Montag come up with a face for burning books but not for how much he loves his wife?
I think that this is because Montag does not really love his wife. There might not be a face to describe what he feels with her, but he can somehow make a face about burning books. The author spends a lot of time talking about “the fiery smile” and the “fierce grin” that Montag has when he is setting to flame the house with the books in it. It seems strange that he could love this action of changing and burning something so much that he can make it a part of him, part of his face but he cannot do the same with his relationship with his wife. It also stands out to me that the idea of him making a face come up again. Yet this time it is unable to make a face and that shows how much more he loves his job than his wife. The author also devotes a whole section about dandelions and love, even though it does not seem to fit directly into the plot. When Montag has no dandelions stuck to his face he becomes upset. Maybe he angry because he is realizing the truth, that eh really doesn’t love his wife, and he doesn’t want that fact to come to light. This is also another example of a way Clarisse “illuminates” Montag with his own subconscious. She is bringing to the surface his true feelings about Mildred and what their relationship really is.
I wanted to answer your question because I to was confused by this too. It does confuse me how defensive he gets when he thinks Clarisse does not think he loves his wife when in reality he doesn't. Cause if he loved her he would not have left her and would have melted when talking about his love. We no it is not because he shows little emotion. He had priority and I think it is protecting his image to be "perfect" in this new societies world.
DeleteSabin I agree with you because I honestly feel like he doesn't really love his wife either. He's like of course I love my wife he married her and he is suppose to love her right? you marry the person you love because it's obvious but deep down after words he begins to question his marriage and his true feeling for his wife that's why he didn't have a face because he has never really thought about his love for his wife. Also its just like when clarisse asks montag if he is happy. Montag said "of course I am why wouldn't I be?" but then he starts to questions his happiness as well and he realizes he is truly not happy. "He wear happiness like a mask." but then his smile begins to fade away. And I think that this will continue to happen more through out the book where he begins to really start thinking about himself if this is what he wants or feels.
Delete" People don't talk about anything.''
ReplyDelete"Oh, they must."
"No, not anything. They name a lot of cars or clothes or swimming pools mostly and say how swell! But they all say the same things and nobody says anything different from anyone else."(pg.31)
Why in the future no one has any distinct thoughts, ideas or even interest ?
I think the future no one has distinct thoughts or ideas because in the past everyone was unique in their own way whether it was thoughts, ideas, interests and etc. In the future everyone is same like Montag said because everyone say the same things and do the same things. In his society everyone is the same because if everyone had their own thoughts or opinions, then they would rebelling to the government about how they feel about the law against books. Since everyone is the same in his society life is boring because no one can express their opinions about things and communicate their ideas to other people. Also, if people don't talk about anything it is because people don't know what exactly to talk about.
People must talk about something—Clarisse and Montag are “talking” right now. I think what Clarisse is so against is the idea of people not questioning authority, and that’s what she means by “talking.” In this society, everyone carries along with their lives, oblivious to the world around them, because it is what they have been taught to do. This is what Clarisse hates. They do not question, think . . . or "talk" because they do not question nor think.
DeleteIf Ray Bradbury is predicting the future with this novel, and his predictions come out to be accurate. then I fear for the generations that are to come.
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ReplyDelete“Being with people is nice. But I don’t think it’s social to get a bunch of people together and then not let them talk, do you? An hour of TV class, an hour of basketball or baseball or running, another hour of transcription history or painting pictures, and more sports, but do you know, we never ask questions, or at least most don’t; they just run the answers at you, bing, bing, bing, and us sitting there for four more hours of film teacher. ..They run us so ragged by the end of the day we can’t do anything but go to bed or head for a Fun Park to bully people around, break windowpanes in the Window Smasher place or wreck cars in the Car Wrecker place with the big steel ball.” (Page 29—30)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever realized how cyclic our lives are? Generations after generations, human beings have done nothing but drain themselves with work, some even to the point that their bodies begin to rot due to fatigue. The question is: why? I agree with a lot of things Clarisse says, the following being a prime example: “…but do you know, we never ask questions, or at least most don’t…” She’s right.
Despite our heavy reluctance, every day, we wake up and drag ourselves to school, while the elders wearily head to work. Have we ever sat and wondered why? I doubt it. It’s almost as if we wake up and exhaust our bodies, simply because it is what has been the custom for over a hundred years. For centuries, working is what people have done, so now; though a lot of people do not know why they do the things they do, such as work their entire lives through, they do it, solely because it is what has been consistently done in the past.
Once again, I repeat my question: why? Why do we do things we do without questioning our motives? What are we working towards? More importantly, though I might be going off on a tangent, why do degrees and social statuses define a person’s intelligence level?
We’re living in a devastating time. There’s the issue of global warming, in addition to people dying on a daily basis. It can be due to war, or even hunger. Poverty has been the source of deaths for so many years and the issue still remains. There are natural catastrophes occurring worldwide. War, execution, terrorism—any of these can wipe out our lives any second. Therefore, why is it that we, so obliviously, spend our time in a classroom for seven hours a day? Conjugating the subjunctive and learning how to derive the quadratic formula may be useful at one point in our lives; however, by being taught through classrooms, there is one thing we will—and do—lack: experience.
Though I do not mind going to school every day, I would very much prefer to be fueled by the snippets of knowledge I end up gathering from my own experiences, rather than being taught by someone else, whose head has been stamped with bias due to their own, unique ones. We are rigorously tested in many subjects…doesn’t the anxiety of tests and exams destroy your passion for learning?
There are so many people out there, many who are unfortunate enough to not have roofs to live under. They aren't granted with nearly as many opportunities as we are, let alone any. For all we know, these children——and adults——may have the ability to find cures for diseases as deadly as cancer. However, their intelligence levels are underrated. Why? Because they don’t have college degrees. Heck, they cannot even afford to put food on their own tables, let alone be able to pay millions of dollars of college tuition.
It makes me sad. We’re living in a dying time. Sometimes, it feels like we’re working towards nothing. The wealthy will remain wealthy, whereas the poor will continue to suffer.
Perhaps there will be a day when all of human labor will be returned to dust, because, as Elisabeth Pfeffer says, “Man is the tree / that bares no fruit / nor flower, leaf or heart / but has those so destructive roots / that rip this world apart.”
Wow, I had no idea I wrote so much.
Delete"In the late afternoon it rained and the entire world was dark gray."
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this two questions came up for me and a thought about montag as a character. I realized as reading the book and this quote how vague montag is as talking about certain things. The author makes you think. So when reading two questions came up. One being what type of world? This meaning what type of world do they live in. Is it just one small community, is it like today? Is it like space? I was just confused by that. He is very vague when he talks about where he lives. I also was questioning who's world is it? Not actually who but who controls it, I am going to guess the government, but why has some parts changed? Is their rebellion? I just want to know and I feel the book will go there. I think there are certain people like Clarisse who are the rebels and will move their book along to answer my question.
i think the answer to your first question is his world i don't think he has traveled much so he has been there his entire life so that is his world his life as a fire fighter his mom and a little of clarisse and the answer to the second is earth i think but i don't think he meant it in that way
DeleteMolly I actually wondered the exact same questions as you did! But in contrast to you I was able to quickly able to answer my own question. After reading a few pages I started to get the idea that the setting of this novel was in a more futuristic and utopian society where most things are calm and equal to each other. I believe that this is the type of setting in which the novel takes place because in page 6 it talks about how now the houses are no longer flammable but fire proof which makes the world in a way a whole lot safer. But that’s not all, I was also able to answer this question because I read a short story similar to this novel. I don’t recall the name of the story nor do I recall its author but the one thing I do remember was the writing style of the author and how he used vague words to send out thought provoking messages.
DeleteQuote:” I’ve got to go see my psychiatrist now. They make me go…they want to know what I do with all my time. I tell them that sometimes I just sit and think. But I won’t tell them what.” (Bradbury 20).
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, this quote may seem as a frivolous sentence but I strongly believe that this sentence is a very significant quote in the novel. First of all, this quote is significant because it’s a crucial key that will give the reader a better understanding of the novel. For instance, this quote talks about how Clarisse is forced to go to the psychiatrist because of her peculiar personality. But the quote is deeper than that since in the quote Clarisse states “they make me go” and this is really thought provoking for various reasons. I believe that this quote is important because it makes me about who the “they” may be because by figuring that out we will be able to learn more about the novel it-self. The two choices of who “they” are; are Clarisse’s family and the government. But when you think about it, the answer is actually narrowed down even more because it can’t be Clarisse’s family because they are just as peculiar as she is so if you think about it why would the family send their daughter to a psychiatrist when they are equally different like her it is just irrational. Therefore, I believe that the “they” is the government. In conclusion, it is government because the setting of the novel appears to take place in more futuristic and utopic civilization where everything is meant to be equal and peaceful and when you think about it Clarisse is a curious person and her curiosity might lead to the destruction of the equilibrium the government seemed to have created for everyone in their world. Those are some reasons why I believe that this quote is significantly crucial.
" 'Now ,may I make you angry again?' 'Go ahead.' 'How did it start? How did you get into it? How did you pick your work and how did you happen to think to the job you have?..... He felt his body divide it self into hotness and coldness, a softness and a hardness, a trembling and a not trembling, .... 'You'd better run on to your appointment ' he said "
ReplyDeleteWhy did Montag not answer Clairsse's questions and why did he react that way?
I think that Montag reacted this way because he didn't know how to feel .... He was conflicted and the fact that Clairsse was contradicting what he thought in his job.
Montag is in a line of work that looks mind less out the out side but really hurts him on the inside . I think that books were out lawed for all of his adult not his childhood and i think he liked books , so when Clairsse was asking him all of theses questions it made him think about what he would of thought if he was younger .
"i didn't do that," she said. " never in a billion years." " alright if you say so," he said."pg 20
ReplyDeletethis tells me a couple things because first his mother doesn't remember anything even a life changing event like the last one but also that he is a forgiving and forgetting kind of person because he totally lets the lady have her way even though he knows he's right. also this shows that he loves his mom because he doesn't want to make her upset or angry even though that must be how he is feeling especially after a life or death situation like that. i mean if that was me i would be super pissed and would be screaming mostly because i have no patience.
“Why would I do a thing like that?’ she said… ‘what would I want to go and do a silly thing like that for?” Pg 19.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How does she not remember taking all those pills?
When I first read this quote I automatically thought about when Montag answers the questions about being happy with a question on page 10.When people answer things with a question it usually means that they aren’t sure or are afraid of the answer but Montag later admits to himself that he wasn’t happy. On the other hand Mildred, his wife, doesn’t seem to want to face the facts. Instead is seems as though she’s playing dumb which is something we’ve all done once before when we don’t want to face facts. Throughout the story I feel as though Mildred will play the same character, a uncertain person, who won’t change throughout the book. I also feel as though Mildred will be as boring as her life. Continuously doing and saying the same things like the programs on TV. Mildred also seems to not care about Montag’s reaction because she simply changes the subject and goes on with her conversation.
i somewhat agree. i believe that the overdose on the sleeping pills may have had an affect on her memory because recalling back to the book, she thought that people had come over and there was a party. i have to admit it quite confused me at first how she showed no reaction towards last night which may be the reason why Montag reacted the way he did.
DeleteI agree, I think Mildred is a very sad person who seems to not have made much of a purpose for herself. She has the same routine everyday, and doesn't think about things too much when they're out of the ordinary. When she takes all the pills she doesn't want to remember something going wrong, so instead she finds it easier to just put on a face of everything being okay, and continue with her simple, boring life.
DeleteI disagree, I don't believe she was acting dumb. Sometimes when people have been through a time so bad, like killing yourself, your memory blocks the moment. I believe Guy's wife is in such a bad place her mind is trying to hide the fact that anything ever happened. Or maybe she is so sad that she can't believe what happened and is in shock.
DeleteI disagree because its not all Mildred's fault. Who knows, she may have the urge to share some stuff with him as well but he may be babbling about his issues or his career to her which she has no interest in because he never listens to her. Perhaps she gets upset when he does not notice her reactions. He should be there for her also. Not just come home mad one day and expect her to know whats going on. She probably doesn't want to notice because shes bored thinking its her duty to be a good wife and not cause any problems.
Delete"And as many times he came of the house and Clarisse was there somewhere in the world. Once he saw her shaking a walnut tree, once he saw her sitting on the lawn knitting a blue sweater, three or four times he a found a bouquet of late flowers on his porch, or a handful of chestnuts in a little sack, or some autumn leaves neatly pinned to a sheet of white paper and thumbtacked to his door. Everyday Clarisse walked him to the corner." (page: 25)
ReplyDeleteDoes Clarrise feel some sort of connection to Montag?
I think that Clarrise does feel some sort of connection to Montag because right from the beginning, she chose to focus on getting to know him, not anyone else. also, i think that Montag (without even realizing because he was so caught up in what society today for him) always had some sort of a deep connection to what society used to be like, even if he wasn't alive for it. Other firemen, like Clarrise said, would brush her off and threaten her about bringing up anything original, but Montag didn't. He actually was patient, listened and was absorbed with it. I think that's because he always was really interested with what the world used to be like.
" Did you look at the stretched out billboards like i told you?' i think so. yes." he had to laugh. " your laugh sounds much nicer than it did" Does it?" Much more relaxed." He felt at ease and comfortable". pg.26
ReplyDeleteWhat does Clarisse mean to Montag? Can she be the reason that his laughter is better/ begin to feel some sort of joy?
To Montag, Clarisse is a bright girl that can see through you and decipher your true self even when trying to shield it with a mask, make you question who and what you really are. Clarisse has been able to make him really understand what he really is and being around her gives him some sort of joy because she's very sociable and the conversations they have just makes him understand his life and other aspects of life itself. she makes him feel like a father and the reader is able to tell that her influence on him has impacted his life as to what he feels and believes. also, he's become comfortable around Clarisse which can contribute to his laughter being better. on pg. 26 at the top he says, " Why is it", he said one time, at the subway entrance, " i feel that i've known you so many years?" "Because i like you", she said, and i don't want anything from you. and because we know each other." "You make me feel very old and very much like a father". this represents how Clarisse can give him some joy because he loves children and when he's with her, he feels like he's speaking to a daughter of his own despite that he doesn't have one. the connection between them can grow stronger building up a bond between them which i predict will come true later on in the book . also, i believe based on this quote that Clarisse is the key to Montag actually become secure about his happiness in life.
I believe that Clarisse is the reason why Montag laugh is better and more relaxed. Her perspective of their society has also changed his persective by causing him to become curious about things like the Hound. Clarisse in a way is also "a wake up call" for Montag to find his purpose in his crazy society.
DeleteI agree with you; I also noticed that Montag began to loosen up around Clarisse. In this chapter, Ray Bradbury started dropping clues that Montag didn't necessarily conform to society as we thought. For example, he doesn't like the game with the mechanical dog and it saddens him that the dog can't think or doesn't have feelings. Clarisse is a young girl that keeps him company and yearns for the "older times" when things weren't like the current setting in the book. Montag starts to feel a little more comfortable around Clarisse. Like you said, Montag says that "You make me feel very much like a father/ He felt at ease and comfortable"
Delete"They want to know what I do with all my time. I tell them that sometimes I just sit and think. But I won't tell them what..."
ReplyDeleteThis quote really stood out to me. But what could Montag possibly be thinking about? I think that Montag wants to share his thoughts but he is afraid because the government might be watching over him. I think that Montag really wants to share what he is thinking about but he is afraid that the government might hear him because the government has a lot of power over the people because they were the ones that assigned montag's job. In my opinion montag wants to share his ideas and thinking but he is frightened of the consequences that could be done to him. In class we discussed that Montag felt like something was watching him or following him and that we thought that it could have been the government so yeah that is why I believe that Montag never wants to share his ideas. Also my prediction is that later on he is going to start going against the government like a rebellion and defiance.
Oh My God!!! so sorry I thought Montag was the one that was seeing the psychiatrist but in his case if that did happen to him that is my response.
Delete"Why is it," he said, one time, at the subway entrance,, "I feel like I've known you so many years?"
ReplyDelete"Because I like you," she said, "and I don't want anything from you. And because we known each other." (page 28)
Why do Clarisse and Montag have such an instantaneous connection?
I think the reason Clarisse and Montag click so easily from the start is because they're alike in more ways than he'd like to admit. Montag finds it easier to open up to her, whom he's only known for a little while, than to anyone else he's known much longer. She gets him to think in ways he'd never done before, and she's a different kind of person than the people he'd generally surrounded himself with. There are some people we meet who we just find unlike anyone else, and the bond forms so quickly it can be as though it was always there, which is what Montag has with Clarisse. They think in very similar ways, Montag just needs some guidance from Clarisse to spark the ideas in his head that she helps plant there. Once they get to know each other a bit, he finds himself eagerly awaiting the next time he'll have to talk to her, because they open each other's eyes in ways that no others have before. Clarisse tells Montag her ideas about rebellion, and Montag responds by not being used to what she's saying as she tries to see past his thoughts of being what society wants him to be, and gets him to really see how he feels about the life he's living.
I agree with you Naava. Maybe it's the fact that Montag doesn't know Clarisse which makes it so easy for him to share with someone who can't really judge him, as well as how they are similar. When you meet someone and the relationship grows in a short period of time, it feels like forever, when really it's just two people who really have just found another person who can understand them.
DeleteI somewhat agree with you and disagree with you, the relationship that Clarisse and Morgan has this instant connection because Clarisse speaks the mind or thoughts that Montag always wanted to questioned The only obstacle is because he is so confirmed into this society and the structure in which everybody is following is what needs to enforced. Nobody wants to be the odd one to ask anything in this world so Montag has this amazement that someone so young can just see every little thing. Another reason why Clarisse and Montag have such instantaneous connection is because Clarisse doesn't really want anything for him. People expect him to be this powerful inspiration and reflect towards a high class in this society but actually he is just putting a wall of his true emotions. Therefore Clarisse just sees him as a person who listens to her and tries to react on every crazy thought she has.
DeleteI wondered my self the same question and I do agree with your response although I disagree with the last part. I think that Montag was playing dumb just to see if she remembered herself and he wont look maybe like a creep. I also agree with Amna because i do believe relationships can grow quickly from one day to another. I also agree with Angie because I do believe that Clarisse is almost like the mouth and Montag is the brain, Which i can connect with my brother. When he is thinking of something but doesn't have the courage to say or as it I shall ask it my self. I also agree that Clarise just needed someone to hear her speak her mind.
DeleteYou're not like the others. I've seen a few; I know. When I talk, you look at me. When I said something about the moon, you looked at the moon, last night. The others would never do that. - 23
ReplyDeleteI think that Clarisse is the opposite side of Montag, she is the part of Montag's life that wonders on most topics. She is a very important character, and this quote had stood out to me. She says that other people don't pay attention to her, but Montag is the only one who actually cares for her, and thinks on what she says. She said before she like to look up to the sky, close her eyes, and feel the rain in her face. Later when she left, Montag had lift his head up to the sky, and felt the rain in his face.
"'I am, very much in love!' He tried to conjure up a face to fit the words, but there was no face. 'I am!'" (Pg. 22)
ReplyDeleteDoes his facial expression and words fitting together help him believe what he is saying/thinking?
This quote really stood out to because he tried to "conjure" a face which shows him forcing himself to believe that he really does love Mildred. If he really did love her, wouldn't his facial expression come naturally? In my opinion, it felt as if he was lieing causing him to immediately say "I am!" to feel some kind of closure about his "statement". This quote also reminds of the "fierce grin" he had while he was watching the books burn and made me wonder if that was also forced. He might not like to burn books but thats his job and due to other rules and limitations he has no other chose but to grin or show emotions that represent a kind of joy towards it.
I think Clarisse has introduced Montag to a whole new prospective of their society which is why he wasn't able to "conjure" a facial expression. I think in a way he is trying to find himself and be like Clarisse in his society by being curious and not just accepting what he is told.
"Yes, I have. God knows why. You're peculiar, you're aggravating, yet you're easy to forgive." (p23)
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because it shows how Montag has been noticing Clarisse. After just a couple of days he obviously has a friendly relationship with her but doesn't know himself how to describe it. He says himself he doesn't know why. Also I think that Clarisse has also told Montag that he doesn't really remind him of a fire fighter and I love how she was able to tell that to him because I think that also has a part to play in the way that he actually likes to hear her input and even after such a short period of time, values her opinion.
I agree, they do have a friendship except for it is a strange one. Sometimes, I think that Clarisse is trying to teach Montag. Although the friendship is mutual, Clarisse does all of the talking while Montag listens. I think that Montag is trying to find who he wants to be. Clarisse makes
Deleteoffensive, honest comments that make Montag question his role in the larger society. Even though Clarisse is only sixteen, she already knows the role she plays. Clarisse somehow gives Montag the confidence and determination that he lacks.
Throughout the novel, Clarisse remarks on Montag’s dissimilarity to a fireman. Her opinion, I believe, is based on the reasoning that one who destroys entire houses, one who enjoys lighting fire to books, a thoughtless monster, would be blind to the society Clarisse sees, one that is conformed. Montag’s awareness though, and patience of Clarisse’s queries and peculiarities, even taking time to observe what he himself had often missed, is a validation of Montag’s own consciousness of the conformities and conventions he is expected of and heeds, though often wishing to stray from them as Clarisse does, walking her walk.
Delete“People don’t talk about anything.”
ReplyDelete“Oh, they must!”
“No, not anything. They name a lot of cars or clothes or swimming pools mostly and say how swell! But they all say the same things and nobody says anything different from everyone else... or the musical wall lit and all the patterns running up and down, but it’s only color and all abstract. And at the museums, have you ever been? All abstract. That’s all their is now. My uncle said it was different once. A long time back sometimes pictures said things...” (pg.31)
Bradbury’s writing describes a conformed society in which each individual expresses themselves in indistinguishable ways, as the setting is one of a dystopian society, one where it is unfeasible to identify oneself. These people, according to Clarisse, lead meaningless lives of superficial conversations and notions, as without history, literary masterpieces and the intellect of others, it is all they can conceive. Moreover, they rush through their lives without ever gazing at the moon, or slowing down to contemplate upon their predicament, only following the patterns, “only color and all abstract”, without ever gaining depth to their concepts. And as they were reared and taught in this manner they thus accept the norm, excluding those who like Clarisse and her uncle, can remember to a time when people had conversations, when people had meaning. The paintings which once ”said things”, are now abstract, swatches of color without intent, no recognizable reality, layers and layers lacking significance, just like those who observe them. This concept though is ironic as we would not compare conformities to the abstract, a mix of shapes and colors that are interpreted now to find the conceptions of the artist, and the meaning to their madness. Though without those who can find significance an abstract piece of art, it simply becomes colors on a canvas. The cycle of people, described in Fahrenheit 451, each identical to one another is one that is unlikely to alter, as without those who have the willingness and insight to break conventions, change would be unachievable.
"How odd. How strange. And my wife thirty yet you seem so much older at times. I can't get over it." (21)
ReplyDeleteWhy would guy Montag say that 16 year old Clarisse seems older than his wife?
While reading Fahrenheit 451 today, I noticed that Guy Montag brought up the fact that Clarisse seemed older and wiser than most people, including Montag's own wife. I think he says this because his wifekept on talking about making the fourth wall a huge T.V screen that would cost the couple a fortune and her silly part in the play that didn't make much sense. When Mildred, Montag's wife talked about these things, he seemed uninterested, answering with "Oh," or nothing at all. On the other hand, Clarisse talks to Montag about the old times, where children didn't kill each other and society was a little more "normal." Even though Clarisse does things like taste the rain and play with the petals of a dandelion, Montag still says she acts older than his own wife. "You sound very old, " he told her later on page 27. I think that Montag sees Clarisse as more mature than Mildred because of her interest in the past.
I definitely agree with you, that he kinda of shows more interest to Clarisse because she reflects on the past. Also Montag doesn't seem to tolerate technology much, so you're right saying that he was uninterested when Mildred wanted a TV as a fourth wall. Moreover, I agree with your statement that Clarisse seems more mature than Mildred due to the acknowledgement of the past.
Delete"'why, yes it is like cinnamon in a way.'
ReplyDeleteshe looked at him with her clear dark eyes. ' you always seem shocked.'
'it's just i haven't had time-" pg. 29
this quote stood out to me because Guy is finally admitting to not spending time to notice things and it seems like his mind is starting to open up to new ideas. when he says "why yes it is like cinnamon in a way" when i read this i envision him surprised because it seems he never believed it could be possible. she tells him he always seems shocked, i believe this is because she keeps opening doors he's never noticed from all the questions she asks him. he's used to knowing what he is told so she is making him more curious and i think he's going to be more surprised if he happens to get his hands on a book that he's supposed to burn. will Guy start to become like clarisse and be more curious? will he create more time to notice more things?
"Sometimes I'm ancient, I'm afraid of children my age. They kill each other. Did it always use to be that way? I'm afraid of them and they don't like me because I'm afraid....but I do all the shopping and housecleaning by hand."
ReplyDeleteHow can children have this audacity of being rebellious towards each other but in some way it's being enforced with technology?
The upcoming generation of children have this view towards this rebellious anger towards each other they can just kill one another, they feel it’s the right thing to do or even being accepted in the society. We never have this sort of view towards children or if they would ever have this thought of death go through their mind. Otherwise we see children as innocent and angel-like people who are opening their eyes throughout the years. Based on this quote, this futuristic society have this controlling technique for minds in believing that everything is handed to them without an inch of their hand or even feet touching the ground. Children believe that there isn't a purpose of being responsible of your own actions or what you do. It’s something confusing but understandable in some way. As children we believe a certain way which is we get what we want no matter what and now that this society is using censorship on all books. It is not only limiting a child's imagination but the knowledge is what distinguishes every person. Not being able to read books at all the only way to ever react towards something or have this idea is the thought of death and not being afraid of just letting your body and spirit into the wind in just a grasp. Can there be such of thing of this child who is not afraid of death? Clarisse has this different perspective in socializing or being accepted in the society with pleasure. She put herself in the shoes of another person and looks at the positive side of a disaster to create these crazy thoughts or questions. She doesn’t want to just conform to the society in which she is living like if the world was designed or even started in this system, just wondering if this mentality of children ever occurred to those long time ago. Eventually technology comes along and talking the responsibility that every child should have, so they might as well take life for granted.
“And then, very slowly, as he walked, he tilted his head back in the rain, for just a few moments, and opened his mouth…” (24)
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me. Montag is unlike other fire fighters because he is curious and willing to try something new. He is non judgmental because he his curiosity drives him. Until Montag met Clarisse, he wore different masks to cover his emotions. Although this might sound a little strange, I think he wore the masks to hide his fascinations with the world. When Clarisse tells Montag about school she says, “but you know, we never ask questions.” (29) In addition, she notes the Montag’s curious facial expressions. I can conclude from this evidence that knowledge is greatly discouraged in this society. Clarisse is alone at school because she seeks knowledge. I think that this is why Montag and Clarisse connect. Clarisse is giving Montag confidence to be his own person even if that means being curious. I wonder: how this world is so advanced in technology if people are discouraged from seeking knowledge?
"I've got to go see my psychiatrist now. They make me go... I tell hem that sometimes I just sit and think... And sometimes, I tell them, I like to put my head back... and let the rain fall in my mouth." (pg.22-23)
ReplyDeleteThis passage relates to today's discussion about how the story takes place in the future. For example the simple task or just collecting water with your mouth, is some kind of sin. It's as if in the future world, we're not allowed to express ourselves in the way that we are now. Also to be this "crazy", Clarisse goes to a psychiatrist... I wonder what the psychiatrists have to say about her.
“But now nights he lay in his bunk, face turned to the wall, listening to the whoops of laughter below and the piano-string scurry of rat feet...” (pg. 25)
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What could make Guy so depressed if he loves fire and burning things and this control?
Answer: I completely see how being in a world you disagree with could make one unhappy, but with such a passion for what you do and having the control Guy craves for, why is it he isn't happy? Being an outsider can cause depression but I would think that his passion fulfills his void. Maybe his passion is so deep because he feels like the world is so wrong he has to change it. He needs the power he has to not be completely lost. Guy has his obsession with fire because he wants to feel somewhat connected to this world he completely dislikes. The only way he can help the world is by destroying what he believes is damaging it, which is probably why he likes to burn books.
"...Clarisse was there somewhere in the world.Once he saw her shaking a walnut tree, once he saw her sitting on the lawn knitting a blue sweater, three or four times he found a bouquet of late flowers on his porch, or a handful of chestnuts in a little sack... Everyday Clarisse walked him to the corner." pg.25
ReplyDeleteWhy is he so fascinated with Clarisse? or why is he obsessed with her or beginning to be?
I believe Montag sees a certain spark in Clarisse that he desperately needs in his life. In our class discussion we discussed how Montag is bored, and unhappy. When he sees Clarisse for the first time he describes her with such delicacy and grace that you can tell he feels a connection with her. Just by appearance Clarisse looks different, but when actually speaking with her you realize how unique she really is from the modern society. Also I notice how she spends a good amount of her time outside which most people in that time don't and how she actually creates conversation. As said earlier in this time you don't really talk to people and you're not allowed to share ideas, Clarisse does. She's still intact with the past she believes in communication, color in a dull world, and actually living life. Montag is so desperate for change in his life which he sees in this girl and doesn't want to let go of.
Honestly I really am hoping/expecting they fall in love somewhere throughout the book.
"Montag stood letting the fears pass by the drop hole." p.26
ReplyDeleteWhat does he mean "letting the fear pass by the drop hole"?
This simple line made me think so hard by what he actually meant. At first i thought, does he drop his fear in the drop hole ? Why was he waiting on the fear to pass by ? Did he ever know when the fear was done passing ? A lot of questions went through my mind because by the way he placed the words in the sentence can change the whole meaning to that line. Like i said today in class he ca say so much in just one sentence. I also wondered what told him that the fear was done passing? Was it his gut because he cares so much about what society thinks that how did he know which gut to listen too ? His or society's ?
I was actually wondering the same thing with this part. What does he mean by "drop hole"? I also noticed that he was somewhat trying to cover his fear because he may not have wanted to seem suspicious about feeling guilty or scared about something that threatened him because he knows that it threatens people that have done something wrong or tried to rebel. He may have been trying to hide his fear from his co-workers...
Delete"Why is it," he said, one time, at the subway entrance, "I feel like I've known you so many years?" "Because I like you," she said, "and I don't want anything from you. And because we know each other." (Pg 28)
ReplyDeleteWhat is it between Montag and Clarisse that attracts both of them to each other and has them get along really well?
When I read this quote it automatically caught my eye because I think what Clarisse said is actually very powerful. When Clarisse said "and I don't want anything from you", it really made me wonder what exactly she was trying to say. How does she see through Guy so well? How does she know that he has had people in his life that just wanted stuff from him? I feel like their personalities are the things that are attracting them towards each other because in a way they actually are a bit of the same people. What I mean by this is that in the book whenever Montag is with Clarisse and Clarisse talks about all of the things that she has been thinking about, we, the readers, get to listen to Montag's thoughts and we see that he is actually wondering about the same things that she. But, the only thing is that Montag does try to hide what he thinks about because he has already grown up in this world where things are set to be one way and he knows that it would not be safe for him if he thought outside the box, especially since he is a fireman and they are all "one way" like Clarisse said.
"You're not like the others. I've seen a few; i know. When I talk, you look at me. When I said something about the moon, you looked at the moon,last night."
ReplyDeleteWhy is Montag different from the others?
When ever Clarisse talks, Montag actually listens and think puts his mind on her words. For example, when Clarisse asked if he was happy, he actually thought deep if he was or not. Clarisse makes him think about the future. When he is with her, he feels different. He talks so negatively about his wife. He notices that she doesn't really care. He thought all his life that he was living a happy life but actually he is not. His life is boring! Yes he does like watching houses burn down and he seems obsessed with his job as a fireman but thats not all life has to offer. It also offers love and protection. Mildred, his wife isn't even having a good time. She overdosed. Due to all the things going on in his daily life, all he does is listen to what Clarisse says and answers her questions later on. Clarisse has a huge impact on his life because it helps him think weather or not he actually has a good life.
Montag is a complicated person. I feel that hasn't found himself yet. He's like a lost soul you can say. Afraid of questioning society, but wants to. Clarisse is leading him to slowly questioning his own existence you can say. But, his own curiosity is leading him to his own path. Slowly but surely. You can tell because when he is talking to Clarisse he kinda always answers her the same way. I never tried that.....What will he try now?
Delete"I am, very much in love! He tried to conjure a face to fit the words, but there was no face." Pg.22
ReplyDeleteHow does Mildred and Clarisse impact Montag so greatly?
This was a really interesting quote. The fact that Clarisse could tell that Montag couldn't feel love, was really a reality check for the protagonist. I think Montag is questioning how is presence impacts society....or not. This quote shows, that Montag couldn't even pretend to show a poker face. He was unable to. I think this is because society has impacted him so much, that it drains life away from things that should make us feel lively, like love. Instead...it blends us in...so much that even we can't figure out how we feel anymore. Clarisse on the other hand, recognizes this power, and kind of resists against it. Montag has been in this society for so long, that he thinks all of the things he feel (or doesn't feel) is normal. Something about Clarisse that makes him think, and value his life even more....Thinking about his job in particular.
Another thing. The difference between Clarisse and Mildred is that even though both of them have a huge impact on his life, it's funny how different both of them are. Clarisse recognizes the change in people or the lack of change. Midlred can't seem to see it....