Final answer:
Montag killed Beatty and disabled the mechanical hound as acts of self-defense and rebellion in 'Fahrenheit 451'. Justification of his actions depends on one's perspective on self-defense and resistance to oppressive regimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Montag killed Beatty and disabled the mechanical hound. This drastic action took place in the context of a dystopian society where books and intellectual freedom were outlawed. Montag's actions could be seen as acts of self-defense and rebellion against a repressive regime. Beatty, the fire chief, had become a direct threat to Montag's life, intending to arrest Montag and destroy his hidden collection of books. In a moment of intense confrontation, Montag chose to kill Beatty with a flamethrower. Shortly after, to escape capture, he also disabled the mechanical hound, a robotic enforcer used to track down and incapacitate dissenters. Whether Montag's actions were justified is a complex question that involves considering the value of human life, the right to self-defense, and the ethical implications of rebelling against an oppressive system. Some argue that his actions were necessary for his survival and as a stand against tyranny, while others might contend that violence cannot be justified, even in response to oppression.