How do the interactions between the characters and the women's reactions to the poem emphasize the idea that books and knowledge give necessary depth and potential happiness in life?

Montag's reading of "Dover Beach" stirs Mrs. Phelp's emotions which have long been blocked by society's culture, mass media, etc. The poem evokes something real within the ladies, especially Mrs. Phelps, that lies dormant and supressed. It is the wisdom of literature that can cut through the superficial soul crushing popular culture to stir the soul.