Let's talk about Fahrenheit 451!
I honestly love this book so much so far. The writing and imagery are really drawing me in. I don’t why I was like not expecting it to be so full of descriptive language, but for some reason it just surprised me. I also think it’s interesting that Montag has these deep and analytical thoughts and he makes so many interesting comparisons and images in his head almost without realizing it. I think the way that the author wrote Montag’s thoughts is really good. I feel like I didn’t describe what I like about his thoughts very well but I like the way Montag thinks.
So far I’ve got to say that Mildred is the absolute worst. I hate her. I guess there’s always gotta be someone who ruins the book, though. It’s so strange to me because I feel like Mildred is so opposite from Montag. He’s questioning things and thinking deeply while Mildred just sits around all day and watches TV and obviously believes all the propaganda about books and peace between people and all that. One thing that I keep wondering about this book is: what are the implications and customs of marriage in the world of Fahrenheit 451? What does it mean that Mildred is Montag’s wife?
I’m not sure if this quote has any sort of deeper meaning to the book as a whole, but it was one that made me think. As the firemen are going through the old woman’s house, Montag thinks, “The men were making too much noise, laughing, joking, to cover her terrible accusing silence below. She made the empty rooms roar with accusation and shake down a fine dust of guilt that was sucked in their nostrils as they plunged about” (Bradbury pg 37). I thought this was interesting because to me it seems like Montag is the only one who feels guilty about his job. He thinks the men are laughing and joking to cover the silence, but I honestly think they’re laughing a joking because they don’t care about what they’re doing or why. When Montag thinks, “She made the empty rooms roar with accusation and shake down a fine dust of guilt that was sucked in their nostrils as they plunged about” I believe that he is truly the only one feeling guilty and in reality he is the only one affected by the silence of the woman. Do you agree with my view on this or do you think all the firemen truly felt guilty in this moment? Do you think Montag will eventually learn to realize that his feelings are his own and he is the only one who can feel them?
Bonus question that like you don’t really have to answer in your next post because it’s just for fun: were you surprised that Montag has been collecting books in his air vent????? Honestly it surprised me but looking back I feel like I should have expected it and I feel a bit dumb.
(Mrs. Disher, check Halle's blog for the responses, as she was not able to comment on this original post!)
