on pg 130 at the end of the third paragraph, after he plants a book in Black's house, Montag thinks to himself, 'goodnight, Mrs. Black'. even though Montag is doing this evil thing framing his coworker and former friend, Mr Black, how do you think he truely feels about framing them? is he guilty again?
I think the end was exactly like the phonix and that it's happy way to end the book. To burn everything that happened in the past he can move pon to start something new
i agree with connor. i feel that the ending was actually a happy ending because now they can read and be exposed to literature. Montag had nothing left in his life, no mildred, no friends, no real knowledge of lietrature and now they can. This is the start of something new. A new life.
To answer shannon's question, I think that he is feeling guilty. He realizes that he is doing wrong to his friend even though he is doing something to help the country.
I agree with Connor... I think that the line "When we reach the city" is supposed to be a happy ending. I think it represents the start of something new, like Bronson said.
The last line of the book is talking about how Montag is satisfied with the potential to build up a new life. Montag is thinking about what he will say in order to remember what he has memorized.
Granger says that they should build a factory of mirrors and i was wondering if this was similar to his description of Clarisse as a mirror which symbolize looking upon yourself.
I thought the ending was really abrupt. His wife just died, practically everyone that he ever knew has just died, and he is still alive. He doesn't know if Faber is alive....it was just one of those endings that didn't really seem complete; after all that happened to him, the book just ends after everyone dies....
I don't think he feels any guilt at all because he really wasn't friends with Mr. Black he was jsut his coworker. So I think he just thought of it as his job. Just as he thought of being a fireman before.
Going along with Shannen, i think that MOntag relates to Macbeth in a way. Macbeth was caught up in so many lies that he was finally so guilt driven that nothing faced him, not even the death of Lady Macbet. Montag is in such a mess right now with breakting the law and "killing" Beatty and running away. I think that he is so guilt driven that he doesnt even notice it.
I agree with KC that montag might still be having thoughts about mildred, after all she left him, not the other way around. i dont think that montag nessissarily wanted millie to leave, so he still has feelings for her
I find the last line of the book sums up Montag's experience during the book on how hes often on his own. And now that the city is destroyed, he can start a new life, on his own and using his own mind with out aid.
On Shannen's question I think that what he said wasw sort of sarcastic like good night cause my night won't be. I don't really think Montag considers them friends either since the other firemen are never really mentioned except Beatty if he cared about them woundn't they have been mentioned
i agree with Bronson. I think the ending is hopefull and happy. Through the ashes, Montag, the phenox, will rise again beautiful and strong. I also think that Mariha makes a good point. He does not know if she is dead or not, and that hit him like a stone. in the end, i do beleve Montag cared for Milded but he was to preocupied to realize it. Montag never knew how good he had it till he lost it all
I think that Montag had always cared about Mildred, even if it was just a little bit. I don't think he ever didn't care about her or what happened to her. Especially in the very beginning, when he first started talking to Clarise. He realized that Mildred was a part of his life, even if he didn't truly love her.
In response to Shannen's question, i think that he would be guilty, except he was so busy trying to escape with his life that he doesn't have time to worry about other people's lives or what he has done to them.
Montag probably feels as if a pressure has been lifted off of him, and he is able to express himself with literature in knowledge. I also think that when he suddenly remembers where he met Mildred signifies that he is able to think again, and that his once clouded mind is not foggy any more.
I agree with everyone that this was a good way to end the book and a happy way. The bombing represents a clean slate for all the intellectuals and "when we reach the city" they can start on that clean slate and spread the importance of books and knowledge.
Montag thinks about bible verses that relate to the occasion. Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season,” and also Revelations 22:2, “And on either side of the river was there a tree of life . . . and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations,” The verse connecdts to the holy city of God, and the last line of the book, “When we reach the city,” shows a connection with Revalations and the bombing of the cities.
I'm not sure how much people actually think about life and their purposes. they know things the way they are and not anyway else, so i dont think that they know much of what to woner
Inner Circle Discussion Response: Granger does say that they should all learn and represent a book, but don't you think there is more to it? Don't you think that Orwell's message goes beyond just reading and learning books. Is that what he really wants homan beings to live for?
I agree with Thomas in that Montag sees himself as kind of a savior for his country. He was once a fireman but he was reborn from the ashes of his old life to try and restore hope to his country.
I agree with Evan and Jacob. Montag is upset for the way Mildred is and what has happened to her. He wishes she could see life the way he does, and 'save' her in a way.
now that the city is pretty much totally demolished and the people inside of it dead, what about the book banning? is this the only city with book banning, and if not, are the other cities destroyed too? What about the scholars?
I dont think that he is saying we should all live for books and thats it. By saying we should all learn and represent a book, he is saying that we should represent not just the book in general but the words inside.
Bradbury is an ingenious person who still despises technology. To answer Kyle's question, I definitely think that the next book would be about how to cherish books and art and how they can better the world. It would almost be as if Montag learned a lesson from the first book and was now immersing himself in intelligence.
When Granger is saying that each person should represent a book, he is also talking about they should be able to represent a book to spread the freedom to think.
I think that he must have cared a little bit about her and concidering there aren't alot of people he cares about her death affects him. Even if you don't know someone very well it still has an affect on you if they die. Also Montag had just left, he could have been there that was something else that contributed to his feelings, was that he Faber, and Clarise if she was alive could have been in that, everyone he cared about
In response to Mrs. Moritz's question, I don't think this is an accurate description of what Ray Bradbury wants. I think that a humans purpouse in life is to obtain knowledge and strive for understanding. These things may be brought upon by books, but I don't think that is what he wants humans to live for. That is just the catalyst for what Bradbury wants us to live for.
I think that montag will help withthe new goverment but once it gets going he will stop. I think he will leave because he feels he has done his duties.
i agree with evian, michelle, and jacob in the fact that montag was a sad in a way for mildred and wants her to see things the way that he sees things and that she is just still going with the flow of life versus realizing that things are not right and that peoplpe should learn and should know things.
In respose to Mrs Moritz, i believe that having them represent a book is important. They are carrying valuable information of the past. And its one of the last forms of knowledge and the thoughts assoiciated with the book. But i also think that they shouldn't only represent the book, its important for them to extend their thoughts beyond those only of thier book. These people are some of the remaining intellectuals in their society
The twelve manner of fruits could symbolize 12:00 which would be the time montag is waiting for noon. Or it could relate to the 12 people that effected Montags life directly.
What does Bradbury think about technology today. Our sub yesterday mentioned that he is still alive. Would he be surprised, or was he expectant of this information?
I agree with Bronson because Montag is the first one of the group to head toward the city because everybody else was a coward who just wanted to keep themselves alive and save themselves.
i again agree with bronson. Now that those who still hold the knowledge survive, there is hope that they can restore the city and country with there knowledge and things can return to things to the way they should be, just as granger planed for the end of the war. Way do think the Old men montag met up in the end look up to him the way they do? Where did the respect courtney mentioned came from? What was montag's true sacrifice? what has he truely lost in the bombing? did he gain anything?
To answer Jacob's question, I think that Bradbury decided to destroy the city because it would be easier to rebuild from nothing than to try and fix it when it was corrupted. It is somewhat like the story of Noah from the Bible.
I think that Bradbury really believed that was what our country was coming to so no i don't think he would be surprised by our world because he predicted it.
The significance of the city's destruction represents how a new generation can be built upon substance and so that there will be no sign of the way the city was before.
In response to Jacob's question in the circle: i think that the destruction of the city was representing a clean slate- The city, once destroyed, could rebuild itself in a new way with different thoughts and ideas. Montag now has a clean slate and can be open to new ideas without the pressure of society.
I think that Granger meant that each person should represent thoughts and opinions and worthwhile conversation. That people shoulod actually have important discussions and debates,not spend their lives like vegetables where an original thought never goes throgh their minds
I think that the destruction of the city again represents the idea of a new start. Like Paul said, it's a chance for people to start fresh. And adding on to what Connor said about starting completely fresh, they need to restart the right way, and not have such a censored lifestlye.
When things are completely destroyed they represent clarity, almost like clearness of the mind and a new beginning. Building on top of what was previously there could only make the new creation stronger.
In response to Nicole's question, i think that Bradburry, today, is both suprise and not of that technology today. He wrote this book before there even were "seashell" earplugs and "tv-walls." He predicted the future almost right. Today a lot of people dont appreciate what we have right infront of us. For example school and learning. People used to love going to school and they used to think of it as a privilage. Now we all dread going to school every day. I think that he will be suprised about how similar the world today is to his prediction.
I think Bradbury despises our world and technology today. The main theme of his book is to stop doing mindless things, and dig deep into intellectual things. To him, our technology is preventing that.
In response to Jacob's comment, the people in the city made the mistake of not reading books and making sure they were burnt. But they never learn and are continuing to keep on their course to destruction.
on pg 159 montag is yelling for mildred to run. he is seeing sitting in her hotel room. where do you think mildred really is? in a hotel? why would she not be able to go to her friends house to stay?
I agree with what sophia said about the new start instead of just trying to patch up whats wrong. I dont think that society that is so far gone such as that in fahrenheit 451 could just be fixed by some people thinking. It would have to be through cleaning the slate and having those who do unse their mind take active positions in rebuliding.
to answer Shannen's question, the other men respect him because he is actually willing to do something about how the society is now. Also I don't think anything was lost but the men and Montag gain a fresh start.
The 12 people would be Mildred, Clarisse, Beatty, Black, Stoneman, the old woman, Faber, Granger, Hound, Mrs. Phelps, Mrs. Bowles and Jesus All of these helped lead him to make each decision that sculpted his new life.
I agree with Paul: I think that books could help warn people about things that shouldn't be repeated. They're not only a piece of literature; they could represent many things, such as a warning or a lesson. Books are read everyday, and some people are completely oblivious to the real meanining behind them.
People from the beginning of time, before words were put on paper, stories and facts were passed around through word of mouth. When literature started to be created, new ideas were formed, and we were able, as human beings, to develop intellectually as a society. Where did we get all of the information on the internet!? We got it from books! They really should be held in higher regard.
i do not think that bradury actually dislikes the world that we have now, i feel that he is not the least bit surprised though. He alsmot depicted everything for the future and who knows wat is to still come.. he may be completly right. Technology, by some could be portrayed as a bad thing but i see that our world is just becoming technologically advanced!!!!!!
I agree with paul that books are good for telling us how things work, and how they prevent us from re-making mistakes. And I think that Bradbury is poking the fact, that we dont use books to our advantage as much as we should, at us
To answer Shannon's question, I think that Mildred could easily be in a hotel. I don't think that she's at a friends house because she doesn't seem like she trusts anyone because she doesn't know who she can trust.
I agree with Kyle that at that point changeing the corrupt ways was pretty much impossible, to many people just accepted it is a way of life but with smaller population it would be easier tochange people's minds and to getthem to realize that their life is meaningless without leaving something behind
Going off of what Thomas said, books truly are taken advantage of. People read them for entertainment, and then people also read them because they have to. Like I said before, people don't always understand the real meaning of books. Even people in this class haven't read the book we're discussing right now, and they're just going off of what other people are saying. There are real meanings found in every book, and it takes an individual to understand them.
Technology, in my opinion, is a very useful thing. But, it really should be used in moderation with the information source we have always relied on: BOOKS! They represent knowledge.... What do you guys think about technology today?
In response to Shannen's question: I don't really know where Mildred could be. Knowing Mildred, anywhere with a tv. But Maybe she wasn't able to go to her friends house because of Montag- he really frightened them when he read the poem to them, and maybe she is like, being shunned or something. Maybe she is going beyond being so shallow and is at a hotel to be alone and think. But I doubt that...
In response to Margo's comment, will our society let go of more actual substance such as books that we can hold in our hands as we become more technologically advanced?
In response to jacob- People weren't reading the books because they were banned. Our society is rapped around literature and it would really be IMPOSSIABLE to take literature out of our society altogether! I complety agree with you KC!!!!! i feel exactly what your saying!
I believe that the destruction of the city is similar to a Pheonix. The city was destroyed like the pheonix burns to ashes. But now, with the help of Granger and his group of intellectuals, the city can rebuild itsself just like a pheonix. Granger pointed out that the one advantage a man has over a pheonix is his ability to learn from his mistakes, and make himself a better man because of them. This will be similar with the city, the intellectuals have realized the mistakes of the past and now that the city is on a clean slate, the intellectuals can rebuild it the right way.
In response to Molly's question, Fahrenheint 451 contain's characters who challenge the system like Montag who starts to question the job of firemen and Faber who actually knows why the government took away books and the answer to many other things he should not know.
Fahrenheit 451 represents challenging the system IN SO MANY WAYS! Montag not only decided that what the technological society was based off of was wrong, but he took matters into his own hands. He was a firefighter, a man meant to eliminate books, and yet he lied to Beatty and collected them. He became immersed in the literature, and revolted against the government.
Along with Thomas on how people today dont always take advantage of books today, i find that true. Some individuals read to no end, and will gather informations and lessons from them. Though people are shifting to the condensed versions of books and svoiding them all together. Its important to not drift in that dircetion too much, otherwise ouir society today will develop into that of fahrenheit 451.
Of course, 451 represents challenging the system in many ways. the obvious one is physically challening. they are doing illegal things and trying to overthrow the gov't.
To answer Evan's question, I think that our society will slowly lose interest in books and feel less and less inclined to actually read books, because as technology advances, you can read books online. You can read a shortened version of almost every book on spark notes. I think that eventually technology will make people think that books aren't important.
To answer Molly's question,I think that this book definately represents challenging the system. Montag is the main character that represents this as he chooses to read books when it is illegal
clarisse was not a follower and i think that she would have done her own thing and like what thomas said... she would have made her own path!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!iuaesrhiQU
I agree with Nicloe, Montag is a very good example of challenging the system in this book. He was a fireman, someone who was supposed to get rid of books, but he was reading them and finding every way possible to just get more.
To answer molly's question this book represents challenging the system because at first when Montag meets Clarisse she is so different sfrom everydoby else that he is totally confused because she doesn't go with the flow and she influences Montag and he realizes that he can't be just like everybody else he has to change.
going back to what mrs Moritz said: Granger does say that they should all learn and represent a book, but don't you think there is more to it? Don't you think that Orwell's message goes beyond just reading and learning books. Is that what he really wants homan beings to live for?
I think Orwell meaning does go beyound reading and representing a book. If you choose to learn a book by heart, it means it is important to you. Its not just a book, it is deeper than than that. Reading and representing a book becomes your honor. you are resspecting and passing on the memory of the author who wrote the story and cheerish enough to comet to your memory and make it a part of you. Orwell does not want humans to live for a story but to live for other people. If someone dies and is forgotten, they are gone forever. people are kept alive in spirit through memory. He means for them to keep the history of the books and there meanings alive, so that they do not slip awaty forever like the firemen burning the books are distroying the history and hope in the message in the books that comes from everybook no matter what it is.
Clearly Montag challenges the system a lot even in the beggining before he met Clarrise he challenged the system by having books. He did something that most people would never have thought of. They all think their happy that life is good but Montag realized he wasn't happy and took the lead in his life to find out why.
To Molly's question of challenging the system, Fahrenheit 451 involves many ways that Montag and others challenged the system. Especially with Montag as a fire man, some one feared and charged with the distruction of the books. Who turned upon what he always believed, and took on those who challenged him back.
I think that they were in contact with Faber because they allow Montag to lead them and they are the trees on the side of the river. The new civilization. Like the revelation verse he thinks about sharing.
If Clarisse was alive, i don't think she would follow Montag's path or Faber's path. She was so individual and unique, she was not one to follow others. She trying to get people to think for themselves, to do the little things that no one ever thought of.
Granger and the rest of the men challenge the system by memorizing books of the bible because since it is in their minds, it cannot be taken away from them because there is nothing to burn.
The entire idea of even reading goes against the morals of the society. Today, it would be like eliminating technology, almost hte opposite! Haha. Well, with the pilgrims on the sides of the tracks, they almost represent the only sanity left in the society, even though they are homeless, poor men (IRONIC). They help symbolize that when a society goes down the drain, there always is at least a small group of people, no matter how strong, who can make a difference.
Even Clarise challenged the system. Her WHOLE family challenged the system. They were an example of a genuine family that loved each other, that talked about life and laughed together. Montag and Mildred hardly talked, and Mildred was wrapped up by her 3 walls the majority of the time. Clarise and her family were not like the other people in their society, and we have seen that from the very beginning of the book.
Just like harrison bergeron and the pedestrian, Fahrenheit 451 represents challenging the system. Something is not right and when someone realizes this they take it in their own hand to fix soceity.
Montag took a risk with reading, and letting Mildred in on his secret that he kept books. HE relied on faith and had hope that someone else out there felt the same way about technology as he did. He lost everything in the beginning, but when he found those certain people, I think that he gained back what he had lost (figuratively).
I think Montag is a good example of challenging the system, he was going against the rules of society and his job the minute he clutched a book in his hand without intending to burn it. Even when he was keeping books in the vent in his house he was challenging the system.
I was suprised that he decided to change during this book. At first when he was first meeting Clarisse, he was all about getting rid of books, but he decided to change because he had a "hunger" for books. It's like what Connor said, it was new to him so he liked it.
To answer Shannen's question, I think that Granger's idea of representing a book is very valid. But I think that it would make more sense to say that a book could represent a person, not the other way around.
i think that the men montag met, they are challenging the system. when their books were banned, there way of life became forbidden. they did not put up with it, they left and prepared themselves to put there world back together when the new empty world crashes down on itself. they did not not give up, they did not fade out, they fought. but they are fighting in secret. they are collecting the knowledge from there now forbiden world, and were getting ready to use it to restore there dear old times. there books were burned but they challenged the system by never forgetting what was taken from them, by rebuilding their world they had to watch be distroyed
I kind of put Mildred on the same level as a heroine addict. She is so completely lost, I'm not sure she would be able to survive after the war--not physically...mentally. Even is she survived the bombing, I'm not sure she would know what to do without television screens.
i agree with michelle. i think that clarisse challenged the system but i think that Montag was the one who really challenged the system.
Montag has a deep love for books and thirsts for knowledge. I also agree with connor. over the summer i went to a Costa Rican village to volunteer and the kids walked at least 2 miles to school everyday! the kids would go to school very excited versus me who is not excited to go to school. In different societys, people value different things and that Montag really valued reading even though he was in a society that didn't read... that was a big way of challenging the system!
I agree with what connor said about books exciting Montag because they are such a new thing to him. When things become common place and every day, you dont realize whats missing, or what is already there. And now that the idea of reading books instead of burning them is new Montag finds itsomething to be excited about.
Mildred, as we discussed before has many of the same thoughts and needs as a small child. OF COURSE SHE WOULD NOT SURVIVE MENTALLY! Put a small child out in a real world situation by themselves. HOw could they survive? They do not have the neccessary tools to succeed and survive in life. She would most likely become crazy.
Moldred is similar to Charlie from the tv series Lost. He is a heroin addict and once they arrive on the island people step in and help him but Mildred newer recieves help.
i agree with michelle. i think that clarisse challenged the system but i think that Montag was the one who really challenged the system.
Montag has a deep love for books and thirsts for knowledge. I also agree with connor. over the summer i went to a Costa Rican village to volunteer and the kids walked at least 2 miles to school everyday! the kids would go to school very excited versus me who is not excited to go to school. In different societys, people value different things and that Montag really valued reading even though he was in a society that didn't read... that was a big way of challenging the system!
I think Montag is the only one who legitamitely challenged the system because not only did he aqcuire books and read them, but he attempted to fix the system and make things right. To me, challenging the system is rebelling directly to the system, not just rebelling in secrecy.
I agree with Michcelle that a book represent a person the same way they represent the book. If your going to chose something to remember then you chose something importatn to you that matters and if it matters it must be for a reason that shows something about you.
I agree with Mrs. Moritz that Mildred is similar to a heroine addict because she is so into entertainment and cannot live without it or else she would no be able to live or know how to take care of herself.
I agree with Mrs. Moritz, Mildred will be so lost without the one thing that she pretty dedicated her whole life to. Going off the idea of heroine addicts, or any addict really, they feel like they need a certain thing, and that only makes their addiction worse. Mildred had the idea in her head for so long that all she needed was TV, 'her family', that she won't know what to do or how to live once she knows it's really gone.
Could anyone survive on their own if they lived through the cities destruction? Mildred is a good example- she is totally a product of her generation. No one can think for themselves, they are hollow, they are just there. without the technology they depend on, what would they do????
In response to Mrs Moritz, i would dissagree, she may be like a heroin addict to her TVs but it wasnt a bad decision on her part. Its more like having heroin in your water since you were born. Something that she was brought up with and she didnt know any other way to live.
the fact the men choose to follow and let montag lead is very signifacant. to them montag is a symbol of hope. he is the 'villian', fighting for the 'heros' fighting againts his own, againts his world. he is fighting, in the world he created, for the world he distroyed. Montage was the system, and now he is challenging himself, with their help. he was a fireman, who burned books, and is now the fireman who reads the books. the men choose to follow montag because once he lost all from his world, he ha dnothing to hold himself back and had the strength to move forward. he is hope and strength.
121 comments:
on pg 130 at the end of the third paragraph, after he plants a book in Black's house, Montag thinks to himself, 'goodnight, Mrs. Black'. even though Montag is doing this evil thing framing his coworker and former friend, Mr Black, how do you think he truely feels about framing them? is he guilty again?
I think the end was exactly like the phonix and that it's happy way to end the book. To burn everything that happened in the past he can move pon to start something new
I think that Montag has come to a realization in your life, since he has essentially lost everything he ever had at one time.
i agree with connor. i feel that the ending was actually a happy ending because now they can read and be exposed to literature. Montag had nothing left in his life, no mildred, no friends, no real knowledge of lietrature and now they can. This is the start of something new. A new life.
To answer shannon's question, I think that he is feeling guilty. He realizes that he is doing wrong to his friend even though he is doing something to help the country.
I agree with Connor...
I think that the line "When we reach the city" is supposed to be a happy ending. I think it represents the start of something new, like Bronson said.
The last line of the book is talking about how Montag is satisfied with the potential to build up a new life. Montag is thinking about what he will say in order to remember what he has memorized.
Granger says that they should build a factory of mirrors and i was wondering if this was similar to his description of Clarisse as a mirror which symbolize looking upon yourself.
I thought the ending was really abrupt. His wife just died, practically everyone that he ever knew has just died, and he is still alive. He doesn't know if Faber is alive....it was just one of those endings that didn't really seem complete; after all that happened to him, the book just ends after everyone dies....
I don't think he feels any guilt at all because he really wasn't friends with Mr. Black he was jsut his coworker. So I think he just thought of it as his job. Just as he thought of being a fireman before.
Going along with Shannen, i think that MOntag relates to Macbeth in a way. Macbeth was caught up in so many lies that he was finally so guilt driven that nothing faced him, not even the death of Lady Macbet. Montag is in such a mess right now with breakting the law and "killing" Beatty and running away. I think that he is so guilt driven that he doesnt even notice it.
I agree with KC that montag might still be having thoughts about mildred, after all she left him, not the other way around. i dont think that montag nessissarily wanted millie to leave, so he still has feelings for her
I find the last line of the book sums up Montag's experience during the book on how hes often on his own. And now that the city is destroyed, he can start a new life, on his own and using his own mind with out aid.
On Shannen's question I think that what he said wasw sort of sarcastic like good night cause my night won't be. I don't really think Montag considers them friends either since the other firemen are never really mentioned except Beatty if he cared about them woundn't they have been mentioned
i agree with Bronson. I think the ending is hopefull and happy. Through the ashes, Montag, the phenox, will rise again beautiful and strong. I also think that
Mariha makes a good point. He does not know if she is dead or not, and that hit him like a stone. in the end, i do beleve Montag cared for Milded but he was to preocupied to realize it. Montag never knew how good he had it till he lost it all
I agree with Jacob in which Montag is not weeping for Mildred but how she turned out and how she sees life.
I think that Montag had always cared about Mildred, even if it was just a little bit. I don't think he ever didn't care about her or what happened to her. Especially in the very beginning, when he first started talking to Clarise. He realized that Mildred was a part of his life, even if he didn't truly love her.
In response to Shannen's question, i think that he would be guilty, except he was so busy trying to escape with his life that he doesn't have time to worry about other people's lives or what he has done to them.
Montag probably feels as if a pressure has been lifted off of him, and he is able to express himself with literature in knowledge. I also think that when he suddenly remembers where he met Mildred signifies that he is able to think again, and that his once clouded mind is not foggy any more.
I agree with everyone that this was a good way to end the book and a happy way. The bombing represents a clean slate for all the intellectuals and "when we reach the city" they can start on that clean slate and spread the importance of books and knowledge.
sorry for the religious input
Montag thinks about bible verses that relate to the occasion. Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season,” and also Revelations 22:2, “And on either side of the river was there a tree of life . . . and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations,” The verse connecdts to the holy city of God, and the last line of the book, “When we reach the city,” shows a connection with Revalations and the bombing of the cities.
I'm not sure how much people actually think about life and their purposes. they know things the way they are and not anyway else, so i dont think that they know much of what to woner
Inner Circle Discussion Response: Granger does say that they should all learn and represent a book, but don't you think there is more to it? Don't you think that Orwell's message goes beyond just reading and learning books. Is that what he really wants homan beings to live for?
If Bradbury was to write a sequel to this book, what do you think would be different in the sequel from this one?
The war starting when Montag starts to flee the city. This symbolizes a new beginning in which after the old is destroyed, the new can be built.
i see the ending as more of a cliffhanger... How do thinnk montag and Granger and the others will move on and will do next?
What happened to Faber?
I agree with Thomas in that Montag sees himself as kind of a savior for his country. He was once a fireman but he was reborn from the ashes of his old life to try and restore hope to his country.
I agree with Evan and Jacob. Montag is upset for the way Mildred is and what has happened to her. He wishes she could see life the way he does, and 'save' her in a way.
now that the city is pretty much totally demolished and the people inside of it dead, what about the book banning? is this the only city with book banning, and if not, are the other cities destroyed too? What about the scholars?
I dont think that he is saying we should all live for books and thats it. By saying we should all learn and represent a book, he is saying that we should represent not just the book in general but the words inside.
Bradbury is an ingenious person who still despises technology. To answer Kyle's question, I definitely think that the next book would be about how to cherish books and art and how they can better the world. It would almost be as if Montag learned a lesson from the first book and was now immersing himself in intelligence.
When Granger is saying that each person should represent a book, he is also talking about they should be able to represent a book to spread the freedom to think.
I think that he must have cared a little bit about her and concidering there aren't alot of people he cares about her death affects him. Even if you don't know someone very well it still has an affect on you if they die. Also Montag had just left, he could have been there that was something else that contributed to his feelings, was that he Faber, and Clarise if she was alive could have been in that, everyone he cared about
In response to Mrs. Moritz's question, I don't think this is an accurate description of what Ray Bradbury wants. I think that a humans purpouse in life is to obtain knowledge and strive for understanding. These things may be brought upon by books, but I don't think that is what he wants humans to live for. That is just the catalyst for what Bradbury wants us to live for.
I think that montag will help withthe new goverment but once it gets going he will stop. I think he will leave because he feels he has done his duties.
i agree with evian, michelle, and jacob in the fact that montag was a sad in a way for mildred and wants her to see things the way that he sees things and that she is just still going with the flow of life versus realizing that things are not right and that peoplpe should learn and should know things.
In respose to Mrs Moritz, i believe that having them represent a book is important. They are carrying valuable information of the past. And its one of the last forms of knowledge and the thoughts assoiciated with the book. But i also think that they shouldn't only represent the book, its important for them to extend their thoughts beyond those only of thier book. These people are some of the remaining intellectuals in their society
The twelve manner of fruits could symbolize 12:00 which would be the time montag is waiting for noon. Or it could relate to the 12 people that effected Montags life directly.
What does Bradbury think about technology today. Our sub yesterday mentioned that he is still alive. Would he be surprised, or was he expectant of this information?
I agree with Bronson because Montag is the first one of the group to head toward the city because everybody else was a coward who just wanted to keep themselves alive and save themselves.
i again agree with bronson. Now that those who still hold the knowledge survive, there is hope that they can restore the city and country with there knowledge and things can return to things to the way they should be, just as granger planed for the end of the war.
Way do think the Old men montag met up in the end look up to him the way they do? Where did the respect courtney mentioned came from?
What was montag's true sacrifice? what has he truely lost in the bombing? did he gain anything?
To answer Jacob's question, I think that Bradbury decided to destroy the city because it would be easier to rebuild from nothing than to try and fix it when it was corrupted. It is somewhat like the story of Noah from the Bible.
I think that Bradbury really believed that was what our country was coming to so no i don't think he would be surprised by our world because he predicted it.
The significance of the city's destruction represents how a new generation can be built upon substance and so that there will be no sign of the way the city was before.
In response to Jacob's question in the circle: i think that the destruction of the city was representing a clean slate- The city, once destroyed, could rebuild itself in a new way with different thoughts and ideas. Montag now has a clean slate and can be open to new ideas without the pressure of society.
I think that Granger meant that each person should represent thoughts and opinions and worthwhile conversation. That people shoulod actually have important discussions and debates,not spend their lives like vegetables where an original thought never goes throgh their minds
I think that the destruction of the city again represents the idea of a new start. Like Paul said, it's a chance for people to start fresh. And adding on to what Connor said about starting completely fresh, they need to restart the right way, and not have such a censored lifestlye.
When things are completely destroyed they represent clarity, almost like clearness of the mind and a new beginning. Building on top of what was previously there could only make the new creation stronger.
In response to Nicole's question, i think that Bradburry, today, is both suprise and not of that technology today. He wrote this book before there even were "seashell" earplugs and "tv-walls." He predicted the future almost right. Today a lot of people dont appreciate what we have right infront of us. For example school and learning. People used to love going to school and they used to think of it as a privilage. Now we all dread going to school every day. I think that he will be suprised about how similar the world today is to his prediction.
I think Bradbury despises our world and technology today. The main theme of his book is to stop doing mindless things, and dig deep into intellectual things. To him, our technology is preventing that.
In response to Jacob's comment, the people in the city made the mistake of not reading books and making sure they were burnt. But they never learn and are continuing to keep on their course to destruction.
on pg 159 montag is yelling for mildred to run. he is seeing sitting in her hotel room. where do you think mildred really is? in a hotel? why would she not be able to go to her friends house to stay?
I agree with what sophia said about the new start instead of just trying to patch up whats wrong. I dont think that society that is so far gone such as that in fahrenheit 451 could just be fixed by some people thinking. It would have to be through cleaning the slate and having those who do unse their mind take active positions in rebuliding.
to answer Shannen's question, the other men respect him because he is actually willing to do something about how the society is now. Also I don't think anything was lost but the men and Montag gain a fresh start.
The 12 people would be Mildred, Clarisse, Beatty, Black, Stoneman, the old woman, Faber, Granger, Hound, Mrs. Phelps, Mrs. Bowles and Jesus
All of these helped lead him to make each decision that sculpted his new life.
I agree with Paul:
I think that books could help warn people about things that shouldn't be repeated. They're not only a piece of literature; they could represent many things, such as a warning or a lesson. Books are read everyday, and some people are completely oblivious to the real meanining behind them.
People from the beginning of time, before words were put on paper, stories and facts were passed around through word of mouth. When literature started to be created, new ideas were formed, and we were able, as human beings, to develop intellectually as a society. Where did we get all of the information on the internet!? We got it from books! They really should be held in higher regard.
i do not think that bradury actually dislikes the world that we have now, i feel that he is not the least bit surprised though. He alsmot depicted everything for the future and who knows wat is to still come.. he may be completly right. Technology, by some could be portrayed as a bad thing but i see that our world is just becoming technologically advanced!!!!!!
I agree with paul that books are good for telling us how things work, and how they prevent us from re-making mistakes. And I think that Bradbury is poking the fact, that we dont use books to our advantage as much as we should, at us
Thomas--What are you talking about?
my old comment
i say things and things move so fast i cant keep up
To answer Shannon's question, I think that Mildred could easily be in a hotel. I don't think that she's at a friends house because she doesn't seem like she trusts anyone because she doesn't know who she can trust.
I agree with Kyle that at that point changeing the corrupt ways was pretty much impossible, to many people just accepted it is a way of life but with smaller population it would be easier tochange people's minds and to getthem to realize that their life is meaningless without leaving something behind
Going off of what Thomas said, books truly are taken advantage of. People read them for entertainment, and then people also read them because they have to. Like I said before, people don't always understand the real meaning of books. Even people in this class haven't read the book we're discussing right now, and they're just going off of what other people are saying. There are real meanings found in every book, and it takes an individual to understand them.
I think that people today read books more for pleasure as opposed to reading for information. they read but the facts don't always stick with them
Technology, in my opinion, is a very useful thing. But, it really should be used in moderation with the information source we have always relied on: BOOKS! They represent knowledge....
What do you guys think about technology today?
In response to Shannen's question: I don't really know where Mildred could be. Knowing Mildred, anywhere with a tv. But Maybe she wasn't able to go to her friends house because of Montag- he really frightened them when he read the poem to them, and maybe she is like, being shunned or something. Maybe she is going beyond being so shallow and is at a hotel to be alone and think. But I doubt that...
In response to Margo's comment, will our society let go of more actual substance such as books that we can hold in our hands as we become more technologically advanced?
i agree with hunter and alex
we dont use books to their full potential. Therefore this allows us to make mistakes over and over again.
In response to jacob- People weren't reading the books because they were banned. Our society is rapped around literature and it would really be IMPOSSIABLE to take literature out of our society altogether!
I complety agree with you KC!!!!!
i feel exactly what your saying!
I have a question.........................................................................How does Fahrenheit 451 represent challenging the system??
I believe that the destruction of the city is similar to a Pheonix. The city was destroyed like the pheonix burns to ashes. But now, with the help of Granger and his group of intellectuals, the city can rebuild itsself just like a pheonix. Granger pointed out that the one advantage a man has over a pheonix is his ability to learn from his mistakes, and make himself a better man because of them. This will be similar with the city, the intellectuals have realized the mistakes of the past and now that the city is on a clean slate, the intellectuals can rebuild it the right way.
omolly-- so many answers to your question. Let's see what people come up with.
well gee thanks
In response to Molly's question, Fahrenheint 451 contain's characters who challenge the system like Montag who starts to question the job of firemen and Faber who actually knows why the government took away books and the answer to many other things he should not know.
Fahrenheit 451 represents challenging the system IN SO MANY WAYS! Montag not only decided that what the technological society was based off of was wrong, but he took matters into his own hands. He was a firefighter, a man meant to eliminate books, and yet he lied to Beatty and collected them. He became immersed in the literature, and revolted against the government.
Along with Thomas on how people today dont always take advantage of books today, i find that true. Some individuals read to no end, and will gather informations and lessons from them. Though people are shifting to the condensed versions of books and svoiding them all together. Its important to not drift in that dircetion too much, otherwise ouir society today will develop into that of fahrenheit 451.
Of course, 451 represents challenging the system in many ways. the obvious one is physically challening. they are doing illegal things and trying to overthrow the gov't.
To answer Evan's question, I think that our society will slowly lose interest in books and feel less and less inclined to actually read books, because as technology advances, you can read books online. You can read a shortened version of almost every book on spark notes. I think that eventually technology will make people think that books aren't important.
To answer Molly's question,I think that this book definately represents challenging the system. Montag is the main character that represents this as he chooses to read books when it is illegal
AT the beginning of the book, Montag even began to challenge the system by even interacting with Clarisse, a girl despised by the society.
clarisse was not a follower and i think that she would have done her own thing and like what thomas said... she would have made her own path!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!iuaesrhiQU
I agree with Nicloe, Montag is a very good example of challenging the system in this book. He was a fireman, someone who was supposed to get rid of books, but he was reading them and finding every way possible to just get more.
To answer molly's question this book represents challenging the system because at first when Montag meets Clarisse she is so different sfrom everydoby else that he is totally confused because she doesn't go with the flow and she influences Montag and he realizes that he can't be just like everybody else he has to change.
going back to what mrs Moritz said: Granger does say that they should all learn and represent a book, but don't you think there is more to it? Don't you think that Orwell's message goes beyond just reading and learning books. Is that what he really wants homan beings to live for?
I think Orwell meaning does go beyound reading and representing a book. If you choose to learn a book by heart, it means it is important to you. Its not just a book, it is deeper than than that. Reading and representing a book becomes your honor. you are resspecting and passing on the memory of the author who wrote the story and cheerish enough to comet to your memory and make it a part of you. Orwell does not want humans to live for a story but to live for other people. If someone dies and is forgotten, they are gone forever. people are kept alive in spirit through memory. He means for them to keep the history of the books and there meanings alive, so that they do not slip awaty forever like the firemen burning the books are distroying the history and hope in the message in the books that comes from everybook no matter what it is.
Clearly Montag challenges the system a lot even in the beggining before he met Clarrise he challenged the system by having books. He did something that most people would never have thought of. They all think their happy that life is good but Montag realized he wasn't happy and took the lead in his life to find out why.
To Molly's question of challenging the system, Fahrenheit 451 involves many ways that Montag and others challenged the system. Especially with Montag as a fire man, some one feared and charged with the distruction of the books. Who turned upon what he always believed, and took on those who challenged him back.
I think that they were in contact with Faber because they allow Montag to lead them and they are the trees on the side of the river. The new civilization. Like the revelation verse he thinks about sharing.
If Clarisse was alive, i don't think she would follow Montag's path or Faber's path. She was so individual and unique, she was not one to follow others. She trying to get people to think for themselves, to do the little things that no one ever thought of.
Granger and the rest of the men challenge the system by memorizing books of the bible because since it is in their minds, it cannot be taken away from them because there is nothing to burn.
The entire idea of even reading goes against the morals of the society. Today, it would be like eliminating technology, almost hte opposite! Haha. Well, with the pilgrims on the sides of the tracks, they almost represent the only sanity left in the society, even though they are homeless, poor men (IRONIC). They help symbolize that when a society goes down the drain, there always is at least a small group of people, no matter how strong, who can make a difference.
Even Clarise challenged the system. Her WHOLE family challenged the system. They were an example of a genuine family that loved each other, that talked about life and laughed together. Montag and Mildred hardly talked, and Mildred was wrapped up by her 3 walls the majority of the time. Clarise and her family were not like the other people in their society, and we have seen that from the very beginning of the book.
Just like harrison bergeron and the pedestrian, Fahrenheit 451 represents challenging the system. Something is not right and when someone realizes this they take it in their own hand to fix soceity.
Montag took a risk with reading, and letting Mildred in on his secret that he kept books. HE relied on faith and had hope that someone else out there felt the same way about technology as he did. He lost everything in the beginning, but when he found those certain people, I think that he gained back what he had lost (figuratively).
I agree with kelsey that if Clarisse was still clarisse was sitll alive that she wouldnt follow Montag and Fabers path. She was her own person!
I think Montag is a good example of challenging the system, he was going against the rules of society and his job the minute he clutched a book in his hand without intending to burn it. Even when he was keeping books in the vent in his house he was challenging the system.
I was suprised that he decided to change during this book. At first when he was first meeting Clarisse, he was all about getting rid of books, but he decided to change because he had a "hunger" for books. It's like what Connor said, it was new to him so he liked it.
To answer Shannen's question, I think that Granger's idea of representing a book is very valid. But I think that it would make more sense to say that a book could represent a person, not the other way around.
i think that the men montag met, they are challenging the system. when their books were banned, there way of life became forbidden. they did not put up with it, they left and prepared themselves to put there world back together when the new empty world crashes down on itself. they did not not give up, they did not fade out, they fought. but they are fighting in secret. they are collecting the knowledge from there now forbiden world, and were getting ready to use it to restore there dear old times. there books were burned but they challenged the system by never forgetting what was taken from them, by rebuilding their world they had to watch be distroyed
I kind of put Mildred on the same level as a heroine addict. She is so completely lost, I'm not sure she would be able to survive after the war--not physically...mentally. Even is she survived the bombing, I'm not sure she would know what to do without television screens.
i agree with michelle. i think that clarisse challenged the system but i think that Montag was the one who really challenged the system.
Montag has a deep love for books and thirsts for knowledge. I also agree with connor. over the summer i went to a Costa Rican village to volunteer and the kids walked at least 2 miles to school everyday! the kids would go to school very excited versus me who is not excited to go to school. In different societys, people value different things and that Montag really valued reading even though he was in a society that didn't read... that was a big way of challenging the system!
I agree with what connor said about books exciting Montag because they are such a new thing to him. When things become common place and every day, you dont realize whats missing, or what is already there. And now that the idea of reading books instead of burning them is new Montag finds itsomething to be excited about.
Mildred, as we discussed before has many of the same thoughts and needs as a small child. OF COURSE SHE WOULD NOT SURVIVE MENTALLY! Put a small child out in a real world situation by themselves. HOw could they survive? They do not have the neccessary tools to succeed and survive in life. She would most likely become crazy.
Moldred is similar to Charlie from the tv series Lost. He is a heroin addict and once they arrive on the island people step in and help him but Mildred newer recieves help.
Trey--Any comments??
i agree with michelle. i think that clarisse challenged the system but i think that Montag was the one who really challenged the system.
Montag has a deep love for books and thirsts for knowledge. I also agree with connor. over the summer i went to a Costa Rican village to volunteer and the kids walked at least 2 miles to school everyday! the kids would go to school very excited versus me who is not excited to go to school. In different societys, people value different things and that Montag really valued reading even though he was in a society that didn't read... that was a big way of challenging the system!
I think Montag is the only one who legitamitely challenged the system because not only did he aqcuire books and read them, but he attempted to fix the system and make things right. To me, challenging the system is rebelling directly to the system, not just rebelling in secrecy.
I agree with Michcelle that a book represent a person the same way they represent the book. If your going to chose something to remember then you chose something importatn to you that matters and if it matters it must be for a reason that shows something about you.
I agree with Mrs. Moritz that Mildred is similar to a heroine addict because she is so into entertainment and cannot live without it or else she would no be able to live or know how to take care of herself.
I agree with Mrs. Moritz,
Mildred will be so lost without the one thing that she pretty dedicated her whole life to. Going off the idea of heroine addicts, or any addict really, they feel like they need a certain thing, and that only makes their addiction worse. Mildred had the idea in her head for so long that all she needed was TV, 'her family', that she won't know what to do or how to live once she knows it's really gone.
Could anyone survive on their own if they lived through the cities destruction? Mildred is a good example- she is totally a product of her generation. No one can think for themselves, they are hollow, they are just there. without the technology they depend on, what would they do????
CHALLENGE THE SYSTEM: MAKE A CHANGE.
In response to Mrs Moritz, i would dissagree, she may be like a heroin addict to her TVs but it wasnt a bad decision on her part. Its more like having heroin in your water since you were born. Something that she was brought up with and she didnt know any other way to live.
Ralph could :)
Haha; more change. You like that Jacob?!! Only kidding :)
Going off of what Mariah said, I think that the moment when the TV shuts off and when she dies might be one in the same.
I think that mildred would be very shocked without tv. As would anybody if something they used all day just disappeared.
the fact the men choose to follow and let montag lead is very signifacant. to them montag is a symbol of hope. he is the 'villian', fighting for the 'heros' fighting againts his own, againts his world. he is fighting, in the world he created, for the world he distroyed.
Montage was the system, and now he is challenging himself, with their help. he was a fireman, who burned books, and is now the fireman who reads the books.
the men choose to follow montag because once he lost all from his world, he ha dnothing to hold himself back and had the strength to move forward. he is hope and strength.
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