As a result of Montag’s concern about how he will act when he and Beatty next meet, Faber shows Montag one of his inventions—a two-way, Seashell Radio-like communication device that resembles a small green bullet and fits into the ear. Through the use of this device, Faber can be in constant contact with Montag, and he promises to support him if Beatty attempts to intimidate Montag. Through the use of Faber’s spying invention, they listen to Captain Beatty together.
Throughout Part Two, the threat of war increases. Ten million men have been mobilized, and the people expect victory. Montag’s war is just beginning.
After his meeting with Faber, Montag returns home hoping to discuss ideas and books with Millie. Unfortunately, in Montag’s case, a little learning is dangerous thing, because when he returns home, he finds company. Immediately, he launches into a tirade in the presence of two of Millie’s human friends, Mrs. Phelps and Mrs. Bowles. This tirade will prove costly to his idealistic plans.
Montag, who is tired of listening to the women’s meaningless triviality, decides to disconnect the television and begins to attempt a discussion with the women. He reads Matthew Arnold’s “Dover Beach” in hopes that the women will be motivated to discuss the work. Although the women—especially Mrs. Phelps—are moved by the poem, they can’t say why and dismiss any further discussion.
Faber attempts, through the two-way radio, to calm Montag’s zealous anger. He urges Montag to make believe, to say that he is joking, and Faber commands him to throw his book of poems into the incinerator. Despite Faber’s admonitions and Millie’s defensive maneuvers, Montag continues by soundly cursing Mrs. Phelps and Mrs. Bowles for their empty and corrupt lives. Mrs. Bowles leaves in a fury; Mrs. Phelps, in tears. Characteristically, Millie escapes from this horrible scene by rushing to the bathroom and downing several pills. She wants to sleep and forget. Montag hides several of the remaining books in some bushes in his backyard and then goes off to work. He carries with him a substitute book to give Beatty in place of the Bible that he left with Faber.
Montag dreads the meeting with Beatty, even though Faber promises to be with him via the two-way radio implanted in Montag’s ear. Beatty tries to coax Montag into admitting his crime of stealing (and reading) books, but Faber is true to his word and supports Montag during Beatty’s taunting.
Before Montag can respond to Beatty’s tirade, the fire alarm sounds, and the firemen rush off to work. Ironically, Montag realizes that his own home is the firemen’s target.
