Montag's reading of "Dover Beach" stirs Mrs. Phelp's emotions which have long been blocked by the city's culture, mass media, etc.
Montag reads Dover Beach in Fahrenheit 451 on pages 98-99 in the 60th anniversary edition. The poem serves as a turning point for Montag as it makes him reflect on the world around him and question his society's values.
In "Fahrenheit 451," "Dover Beach" is a poem by Matthew Arnold that reflects the protagonist Montag's feelings of disillusionment and despair with society. The poem serves as a contrast to the conformity and emptiness of Montag's world, emphasizing the need for deeper connections and meaning in life.
In "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury, Montag reads the poem "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold to Mildred and her friends. This poem serves as a catalyst for Montag's further awakening and realization about the importance of preserving literature and critical thinking in their society.
Mrs. Phelps cries when Montag reads Dover Beach because the poem resonates with her on an emotional level, prompting her to reflect on the emptiness and beauty of the world. The poem's themes of uncertainty, loss, and the decline of faith strike a chord with her, leading to an emotional response.
your mother
because he thinks its something meaningful and he wanted them to hear it
Montag thought Faber was reciting a poem by Matthew Arnold called "Dover Beach."
The women are at first incredulous and think that Montag is joking. When they realize that he is serious they grow increasingly uncomfortable and fidgety until Mrs. Phelps eventually starts to cry. The women leave in a disgusted flurry soon thereafter.
If you are referring to the party when Mildred had her friends over and Montag came in and read to them Dover Beach, the poem, you can find that party in THE SIEVE AND THE SAND, pages 94-101. Hope this is the party you were referring to.
Mrs. Phelps cried during the reading of "Dover Beach," showing emotional depth and contemplation. In contrast, Mrs. Bowles was more focused on her appearance and materialistic concerns, demonstrating a lack of interest or connection to the profound meaning of the poem.
The women all have very strong reactions after Montag finishes reading the poem to them, after being denied the ability to feel for so long by the mass media and culture, its especially upsetting to be exposed to something so passionate, raw and thought provoking. Before Montag reads "Dover Beach" to the women, Mrs. Phelps had just nonchalantly told Mildred and Mrs. Bowles about her husband leaving for war. She seemed unfazed by his absence and possible death. After the poem is read she begins to cry, and is unable to explain what is causing this reaction in her. Mrs. Bowles is quite incensed and is angry with Montag for stirring up trouble for no good reason. The general idea seems to be that "life is pleasant, so why dwell on the unpleasant and spoil our fun." Mildred is also upset and her two companions leave quite shaken.
The poem is also symbolic of their society. It talks about how faith used to be full but is now "retreating, to the breath of the night wind" leaving only "naked shingles of the world" and how this life has "neither joy nor love nor light" anymore. It's a great representation of what their life has become. If you want more info on the poem itself, check out Shmoop by searching for "Shmoop Dover Beach".