first scenes in Fahrenheit 451 establishes serious societal doubts in the protagonist

One of the first scenes in Fahrenheit 451 establishes serious societal doubts in the protagonist, which sparks the inquisitive nature within the character. This event explores the theme of ignorance vs knowledge extensively through Montag's initial realization of the possible truth. The scene begins ordinarily for Montag, with the firemen hearing the "the bell in the ceiling kick[ing] itself two hundred times." (p. 32) and swiftly leaving the station. Once arriving, the firemen stormed into the building and immediately laid hold of an older woman while soaking the house with kerosene. Strangely, she did not resist, just standing still with "her eyes fixed upon a nothingness in the wall" while reciting lines of a quote by Hugh Latimer. Montag's superior officer, Beaty, attempted to reason with the woman. However, the woman chose to voice her opposition by lighting an ordinary matchstick, choosing to burn along with her books. Shocked by this action, Montag was driven by a mix of unease and curiosity to steal a book and learn why people are so loyal to something perceived to be so dangerous. "Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out" (p. 33). This famous quote was spoken in reality by a 16th-century protestant named Hugh Latimer who was sentenced to death by fire due to his unorthodox beliefs, akin to the older woman in the text. Montag's literary understanding was lacking thus far due to the government's suppression of books. This left the women's final words to resonate in Montag's mind during his trip back to the station, causing him to be quiet and sullen. The existing society within Fahrenheit 451 stressed that ignorance is bliss, but the truth within books suggests that it is only blissful for the ones in power. Witnessing the woman choose to burn along with the books rather than acquiesce in the destruction, allowed Montag to consider that there might be something special about them, irrespective of what the government implies. This scene clearly left a lasting effect on the protagonist, which allowed the story to unfold as it did.