Book Lady (Fahrenheit 451)

The firefighters in Fahrenheit 451 are practically the reverse of our society's firefighters. Instead of actually fighting the fire and trying to put it out, they start fires on purpose. The men (who, Montag notes with surprise, all look vaguely similar) are usually at the firestation at night when they get the most calls. While waiting for a call, they play cards, smoke cheap cigars, and occasionally bait their mechanical hound just so they can watch it kill something. When a call comes in, a piece of paper shoots from a slot in the wall. Adress, informer's initials, and charge are all listed. The firemen suit up and drive off. When they get to the house suspected of hiding books, they charge in and search the premises. If they do find the books, they start a fire and burn the books. Usually, the police arrive before them and have already taken away the residents and cordoned off the area with the books. This time, however, the police are not there and the resident is. The lady who lives in the house sees them and just seems to give in like she knew this would happen eventually. Her expressions and mannerisms make Montag feel strange. For the first itme in his life, Montag is questioning the way he lives. The firefighters soak the place in kerosene and try to get the woman out of her house. She insists instead that she will stay. She pulls out a match, lights it, and throws it on the books just as the fire cheif lights his own flame. Montag watches as the woman burns with her books. This part and its final image really struck me. I can't even imagine how that woman must have been feeling and the bravery it took to do what she did. I think this will be a turning point in the story where Montag really begins to question and look closely at the world he lives in.