1. The novel, Fahrenheit 451 begins: “It was a pleasure to burn.” Why does Ray Bradbury start the
novel in this way? Why might it be more pleasurable to burn books rather than read them?
2. In the opening scene, why are the books compared to birds?
3. Read Handout Number One, “The Fifties.” Read to page 31. Discuss the difference between
Montag and Clarisse’s lives.
4. Montag’s television includes headphones called “seashells.” The “wall to wall circuit” allows
Mildred to enter the “play” and, therefore, the television programming. How does the
technology within the novel compare to our current technology? In the first pages of the novel,
does technology improve the quality of life for Montag and his wife, Mildred? Why or why not?
5. Complete Part One (pp. 32 – 68) consider why the narrator introduces us to Montag at this time
of his life when he encounters Clarisse and confronts Mildred’s overdose.