Montag and Faber come up with a plan

Summary

Montag reaches Faber's house. The professor is at first unwilling to let him in; however, when he sees Montag's book, he cannot resist and opens the door. The sight of the Bible moves Faber; it has been years since he has seen a copy of it. Montag tells Faber about his feelings of unease and his growing discontent. He asks the older man to teach him about books. In the beginning, Faber thinks it is a very bad idea; the risk is not worth the cost to either of them. But he, like Montag, is enticed by ideas. The prospect of having someone to discuss ideas with is overwhelmingly appealing.

Montag and Faber come up with a plan to repopulate the world with books. They will plant books in the homes of the firemen themselves. Eventually, all the firemen and all the firehouses will be burned. Faber is reluctant to the plan, thinking it is unfeasible. Montag gains his support by tearing pages out of the Bible; to prevent any further destruction, Faber agrees.

Montag notices machinery and tools in Faber's house. The professor reveals that he is an inventor. He shows Montag one of his inventions, a small green bullet to be worn in the ear. With it, Faber can listen and talk to Montag from any place and at any time. Since Faber believes in the concept that people can learn even while they sleep, he will continuously whisper passages from books to Montag through the listening device. Faber also tells Montag that the device will enable him to help Montag deal with Beatty when the time comes.

Notes

Faber at first resists Montag, not even wanting to let him in his home; however, when he sees Montag's Bible, he is too excited to refuse him entry. It is the first copy of the Bible that old man has seen in a very long time. When Montag wants to talk about books with the old professor, he again resists; but he finally consents, for he knows it will be very pleasurable to discuss ideas again, despite the risk.

Bradbury then uses Faber as a mouthpiece for his own ideas. Faber explains how books make people uncomfortable, for they force them to constantly think and re-evaluate themselves. He adds that books alone are not the answer; people must also have the "right to carry out the actions" they learn in books. His idealism makes Montag realize that books must be reintroduced as a first step towards changing the face of society. He comes up with a plan to bring about the needed changes. He and Faber can plant books in all the firehouses and in all the homes of the firemen. Then all the firemen and the firehouses must be destroyed, leaving no means for future book burnings to be carried out. Once again, Faber resists Montag; in the end, however, he agrees to help his new friend in carrying out his plan. He even gives Montag one of his inventions, a listening device that can be hidden in the ear. It will allow Faber to recite passages of books to Montag at any place and at any time, even when he is sleeping.

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