Here's a breakdown of his response:
* Initial shock: Montag is completely taken aback by the event. He witnesses the woman calmly setting herself on fire, holding her book close to her chest. This is a completely foreign concept to him, who has been indoctrinated into a society that values conformity and shuns individual expression.
* Confusion and Disbelief: He struggles to understand her actions. Why would someone choose to die rather than give up their books? This question sparks a seed of doubt in his mind about the society he has always known.
* Profound sadness: While confused, Montag feels a deep sense of sorrow for the woman. He sees her not as a crazy fanatic but as a person who is deeply committed to something she believes in, even to the point of sacrificing her own life. This moment is crucial in his journey towards enlightenment.
This event is a turning point for Montag. It sparks a profound sense of unease and forces him to question the values of his society. It is the beginning of his rebellion against the status quo and his search for truth and understanding.