The Hearth and the Salamader

I think this chapter foreshadowed a future conflict with another fireman with someone programming the mechanical hound to attack him. Montag's relationship with Beatty is also strained because he feels that Montag has been acting differently. Now Montag is starting to disassociate himself the other firemen, much different than his feelings toward them earlier in the story. He feels guilty when the woman burns, and the other firemen don't even think twice about it. Montag also steals a book while at the woman's house and mentions that he did it without even thinking. He mentions that it was his hands not himself or through his own thinking that stole the book. This brings up the idea that Montag is subconsciously doing certain things.It is also mentioned that Clarisse is dead and her family moved away but it takes a while for Montag to find out. Montag's state of mind has as a whole ends up being greatly affected by the woman’s death in the house. He begins to dislike his job more and more and continues to develop a curiosity for books. I wonder how much longer Montag will last acting the way he is.


Paul Martel