Contents
How does the old woman affect Montag?
Due to the old woman’s actions, Montag is no longer satisfied with the status quo. Far from accepting Captain Beatty’s words, he finds himself compelled to confront the realities of his life and his work as a fireman.
What does the old woman say in Fahrenheit 451?
In Part 1, when the firemen go to burn down the old woman’s house, she says, “Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.” This quote reportedly comes from Hugh Latimer, a martyr in 16th Century England.
What does the old woman quote to Montag What does it mean what’s its significance?
Latimer believed that his death would light a candle that might never be put out. By repeating this phrase, the woman expresses the hope that somebody will follow her example and realize the dangers of censorship. As such, this quote foreshadows Montag’s own (impending) rebellion against the state’s control over books.
Who is the old woman in Fahrenheit 451?
The book collector
The book collector, an old woman who was seen with Clarisse a few times during Montag’s rides to and from work, refuses to leave her house, opting instead to burn herself and the house, so she can die with her books.
What is the most important quote in Fahrenheit 451?
19 Of the best Fahrenheit 451 quotes
- “It was a pleasure to burn.”
- “’Bet I know something else you don’t.
- “He was not happy.
- “’Why is it,’ he said, one time, at the subway entrance, ‘I feel I’ve known you so many years?
- “’We need not to be let alone.
What were Ridley’s last words?
Aware that life as interesting as his should end with an interesting final statement, but unable to think of anything memorable, Pancho Villa’s last words as he lay dying were: “Don’t let it end like this.
Why did the woman kill herself in Fahrenheit 451?
The old lady decided to commit suicide because she was sending a message that books are too valuable to live without. In Fahrenheit 451, people have decided that books are dangerous and we should live without them. They have purged their society of all books. Blake commits suicide.
Why does the woman burn herself in Fahrenheit 451?
This is where Montag is, and the reason why the woman dying with her books leaves such a profound impact on him. In Fahrenheit 451, the woman burns herself, presumably, to become a martyr for her cause. Her suicide raises the stakes.
Why does the old woman light up in flames?
Her suicide raises the stakes. The novel is full of biblical allusions, and the woman going up in flames, as Christian martyrs are famous for doing, fits with the allusions and connects her to Christian martyrs. Her death is a statement, and as far as Montag is concerned, a powerful one.
When does the old woman’s house is raided, why does she light?
When the firemen come to destroy the old woman’s books, what they are really going to destroy is her humanity. They are going to take away her ability to think. If they burn her books, she will be stuck somewhere, maybe watching the parlour walls like Millie Montag does.
Why does the old woman die with her books?
The idea of the woman dying with her books is an important moment and symbol. It shows that the voice of dissent and active resistance cannot be thoroughly silenced by an external force. More critically, it allows Montag to fully understand that there are some things that define life, and, if taken away, can define how one chooses to die.