1. The opening section of the book appears to be a celebration of the power of burning. Explain these metaphors: a. To what does Bradbury compare Montag? (hint: he uses his hands)

b. To what does Bradbury compare the brass nozzle of the hose?

c. How does Bradbury describe the destruction?

d. What is symbolic of his helmet?

a) Bradbury in the opening paragraphs compares Montage to an amazing

conductor as he used the nozzle to spray kerosene all over the books to be burnt. Bradbury had used the above metaphor/imagery to describe the manner, pleasure and dexterity with which Montage waved the brass nozzle effectively spraying kerosene all over the matter to be combusted by the fire.

b) He compares the brass nozzle of the hose to a great python spitting its venom. In reality, Montage was wielding a nozzle which enabled him to spray the kerosene all over.

c) " ...the house jumped up in a gorging fire that burned the evening sky red and  yellow and black." This was Montages way of saying that the destruction was intense.

d) Montages helmet bore a number 451. Interestingly, 451 Fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper burns. Montages job as a fireman was to burn books because they had been outlawed.

Cheers!