Fahrenheit 451

What does Montag realize about how he will be changed from knowing Faber?

Part 2

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Faber has a tremendous effect on Montag. Montag knows that he must find himself a teacher, and that teacher is Faber. Faber gives Montag a device he has created, a small earpiece that allows him to listen to what is going on and to respond to the person who is wearing the earpiece. He gave it to Montag because Montag asked for support in dealing with Captain Beatty, who he knew could beat him down mentally. With this device Faber said he could help Montag and still remain safely at home. On the way to work that night, Montag feels terribly alone except for the voice in his ear. He suddenly realizes that

"... he was two people, that he was, above all, Montag, who knew nothing, who did not even know himself a fool, but only suspected it. And he knew tht he was also the old man who talked to him and talked to him..." (pg 102)

He knew that the old man would continue to talk to him as the days and nights passed until.....

"His mind would well over at last and he would not be Montag any more, this the old man told him, assured him, promised him. he would be Montag-plus-Faber, fire plus water, and then one day, after everything had mixed and simmered and worked away in silence, there would be neither fire or water, but wine..." (pg 103)

He would be a better, improved person, someone with quality. Even as he was thinking these thoughts, he could feel himself start his long journey. He knew that eventually he would look back on the person he was and know him to be a fool.

The page numbers may differ depending on the version of the book you are reading. However, they should be found in the vicinity of the pages listed.

Source(s)

http://www.enotes.com/fahrenheit-451/q-and-a/what-does-montag-realize-about-how-he-will-changed-280202/