how and why Fahrenheit 451 invites the reader to identify with situations, characters and/or ideas (look below the surface of the text here). Explore three specific discussion points of identification. What are they? Why are they important?

Early in the novel, Bradbury encourages us to identify with Clarisse. Unlike most people in this society, this young woman walks outside at night in the moonlight. Montag is taken with her and how different she is from everyone else he knows. Bradbury uses lyrical language and metaphor to show how Clarisse stands apart from the average person. Hers is a softer, more old-fashioned approach to life. It reminds Montag of a candle:

Her face, turned to him now, was fragile milk crystal with a soft and constant light in it. It was not the hysterical light of electricity but-what? But the strangely comfortable and rare and gently flattering light of the candle.

It is important that the reader identifies with Clarisse, because she highlights how much the average person in this society has moved from the simple things in life that have meaning, such as staying in touch with nature. We understand how Montag's discontent grows after his encounter with Clarisse. She is a first inkling that he is deeply unhappy. 
At a midpoint in the novel, we are meant to identify with Montag and his growing frustration with his wife Mildred's obsession with watching mindless television. In one scene, he shuts off her view screens and tries to get her to interact with him. This is important, because it highlights how isolated and desperate Montag feels. He tries to connect with Mildred, but it is impossible. 
We are also meant to identify with Faber. When he and Montag meet at the beginning of part II, and Faber gets over his fear of talking to Montag; he begins to confide in him and show his true character. Like Clarisse, he lives life on a deeper level. 

"I don't talk things, sir," said Faber. "I talk the meaning of things. I sit here and know I'm alive."

The encounter with Faber is important because it encourages Montag to seek a more satisfying life, particularly through books, than his sterile existence.