Fahrenheit 451 Discussion Response

Mildred is really a special character because you never really know whether she is thoroughly brainwashed or just acting. After her so called "accident" with the sleeping pill overdose, Mildred acts a little differently around Montag. One thing doesn't change: Her intolerance for books. When she finds Montag's large collection, at first she keeps it a secret but then calls the firemen to come burn down her and Montag's house. Montag feels she has betrayed him, but you know that Mildred might have been aware of what she was doing. You wouldn't be able to tell from her addiction to sleeping pills and the parlor, and how she enjoys driving at dangerously high speeds. She may be just acting like this, to blend in, and not arouse any suspicion.