Why does Mrs Phelps cry when Montag reads aloud the poem?

Explanation:

In , Mrs. Phelps cries when Montag reads aloud the poem because it serves as a poignant reminder of the profound emotional and intellectual deprivation she and many others have endured in their highly controlled and superficial society. The poem, with its rich imagery and evocative language, awakens dormant emotions and stirs the depths of their souls, making them confront the emptiness of their lives. It unveils the stark contrast between their numbed existence and the beauty and meaning that literature can bring, triggering an overwhelming release of pent-up emotions that have long been suppressed. Mrs. Phelps’s tears symbolize the breaking of the dam holding back her suppressed humanity, as she realizes the depth of what has been lost and the urgency to reclaim it.