At the start of the story, how did Montag feel about his job? Give specific examples to support your response.

In the beginning of the story, Montag is proud of his job. It makes him feel important, and he finds it exhilerating.

IT WAS A PLEASURE TO BURN IT was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed.

With his symbolic helmet numbered 451 on his stolid head, and his eyes all orange flame with the thought of what came next, he flicked the igniter and the house jumped up in a gorging fire that burned the evening sky red and yellow and black. He strode in a swarm of fireflies. He wanted above all, like the old joke, to shove a marshmallow on a stick in the furnace, while the flapping pigeon-winged books died on the porch and lawn of the house. While the books went up in sparkling whirls and blew away on a wind turned dark with burning. Montag grinned the fierce grin of all men singed and driven back by flame.