Part 2: The Sieve and the Sand (Summary and Analysis)

Montag shows Faber his discovery before he meets Beatty. Faber explains how he moved to books: he thought that Civilization would make him happy, but when it failed to do so, he turned to burning books. Faber says the magic of books lies in their substance. He adds that life’s purpose can be discerned from what civilization has destroyed, such as face-to-face interactions, and “old phonograph records, old motion pictures, and old friends” (82).

Faber plans to transform Civilization by stoking fires among many firemen in order to create chaos. He asks Montag to give his savings to a former printer so that he can disseminate books after the War ends. To enable communication between them, Faber gives Montag a device that fits into his ear.

Later, Mrs. Phelps and Mrs. Bowles visit Mildred. All three of them are immersed in watching “wall shows” coming out of a huge television mounted on a wall. Montag acts in an unexpected manner and switches off the television Montag shows his disgust at their prattle and self-centeredness by reading aloud the poem “Dover Beach”. It leaves the women upset and Mrs. Phelps crying.

Montag reluctantly gives back the stolen Bible to Beatty who tries to engage him in a discussion about books being futile and perilous. While they are talking, the station bell rings, and Beatty convinces Montag to join him on this “special” case. Their machine, the Salamander, halts before Montag’s house.