Final answer:
Option (1), The retired English professor's name is Faber, a character from Ray Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451, which addresses themes of censorship and the devaluation of literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of the retired English professor referred to in the question is Faber. This character comes from the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. In the book, Professor Faber is depicted as a knowledgeable but cautious individual who had been ousted from his academic position four decades earlier when the academic institution where he taught closed due to a lack of student interest and support.
The premise of the novel, including the character Faber, highlights themes of censorship and the decline of literature and critical thought in society.