Part Three: Burning Bright

Fishbowl Discussion
A fishbowl discussion is a student led discussion in which the class divides into two groups (A
& B). Each student in Group A has a partner in Group B. Group A holds a discussion in a
circle (the fishbowl) while Group B observes and writes notes. Mid-way through the
discussion, the groups trade places and Group B holds a discussion while Group A observes.
One chair in the fishbowl will be left empty so that any member outside the fishbowl can
occupy the empty chair and join the discussion for a short time.

Process
1. Prior to the discussion, prepare for the discussion by completing discussion
questions in writing.
2. On the day of the discussion, you will be divided into two groups (A & B) and you will
be assigned a partner from the other group. The students
in Group A will sit in chairs arranged in a circle. This is the
fishbowl. The students from Group B will sit in chairs
outside the fishbowl.
3. To hold the discussion, students from Group A bring their
completed fishbowl discussion questions into the circle.
Students in Group A lead the discussion by discussing the
first half of the questions. Group B students will listen and
take notes.
4. When the time allotted to Group A is up, the students will
trade places with their partner and Group B will discuss the
second half of the discussion questions while Group A
students will observe and take notes.
Group A questions:

1. Why do you think Mildred reported Montag? (p.108) What does it reveal about their
relationship? What types of behaviour would you report if exhibited by a family
member? Why?

2. Why does Beatty ask Montag, “Why did you really do it?” (p.112)

3. What does Montag do on p. 113?

4. Reflect upon Montag’s last words to Beatty, “We never burned right” (113). What
does he mean?

5. How is Montag numb both literally and figuratively on p. 114?

6. What does Montag mean when he says to Beatty, “You always said, don’t face a
problem, burn it. Well, now I’ve done both.” (p.115)

Group B Questions:

7. Do you agree with Montag that Beatty wanted to die? (p.116) Does this justify
murder? What are other ways Montag justifies his behaviour?

8. What does the Seashell reveal about Montag’s current status (p.117-118)?

9. What misconception does Montag realize on p. 122?

10. How does Montag justify what he does to Mrs. Black and her house on pp. 123–124?
Do the extreme circumstances of Montag’s world justify lawless behaviour to
preserve the freedom to read?

11. Montag laments his decisions (p.115). What did he blame as his Achilles heels? On
the other hand, how does Faber respond (p.125) and why? Despite this difference in
their response, they share the same mentality towards the war. What is it and why?

12. Describe the new game of “finding Montag.” What effect does the technology of
broadcasting have on Montag’s realisation?