Final answer:
Montag realizes the emptiness and lack of purpose in his own life after encountering Clarisse and the woman who burned her own house. These encounters challenge Montag's beliefs and ignite a desire for change and rebellion.
Step-by-step explanation:
After encountering Clarisse and the woman who burned her own house, Montag realizes the emptiness and lack of purpose in his own life. Clarisse's curiosity and love for nature make Montag question the shallow and technology-driven society he lives in. The woman who burns her own house and herself shows Montag the extreme consequences of the oppressive regime and the suppression of free thought. These encounters challenge Montag's beliefs and ignite a desire for change and rebellion.