This scene happens relatively early on in the book, but it is one of the most important. Clarisse’s peculiarity interests Montag and makes him start to think. Clarisse asks Montag, out of the blue, “Are you happy?” Montag then starts thinking about his own happiness. He quickly becomes in denial. The next day, Montag walks home with Clarisse again, this time talking about love. Clarisse rubs a dandelion on her chin, testing the myth that if the color comes off you are in love. She proceeds to test it on Montag, who is further in denial when it doesn’t show up and Clarisse exclaims “You’re not in love with anyone.” Montag thinks further and accepts his unhappiness. This scene sets off every other scene in the book, as it made Montag come out