Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury takes place in a society where the citizens are under the illusion that everything is perfect, but in reality the civilization is quite undesirable. The strictly controlling government of this city feed the people ideas that they cannot question; in fact, it is looked down upon to think for oneself. Books have even been banned in this society because they provoke thought, which the government believes could create conflict. That is why the fireman in this dystopia exist; to burn people’s books and the ideas within them. Guy Montag– the protagonist– is a fireman, but he begins to question the government and the aspects of the society as a whole. The value that this city places on conformity leads to an illusion of happiness, lack of knowledge, and this ultimately, the collapse of the society. The citizens of this community must conform to the restrictions the government puts in place; one being the condemnation of individual thought. Though some may believe that only having common thoughts would be helpful in preventing conflict, it can actually be harmful to the members of this society. Since the people do not have the ability to think for themselves many cannot analyze everyday aspects of their life. To emphasize, since the government advocates that everyone must be the same, it is assumed that the people will be happy with their “perfect” lives; however, this is not the case. When Montag is asked by Clarisse– his neighbor– if he is happy the truth becomes evident, “ He was not happy… He recognized this as the true state of affairs. He wore his happiness like a mask…” (9). Montag is of very few that realize this happiness is all an illusion; purely a facade. The citizens believe that they are happy, but do not realize this hidden sadness. Instead, many distract themselves with an abnormal amount of television or take sleeping pills; this is actually quite common in the society: “You don’t need an M.D., case like this; all you need is two handymen, clean up the problem in half an hour” (13). For many, distraction– such as taking sleeping pills– allows them to get through their days; overdosing is a typical fix in this society’s medical world. A great amount of the citizens cannot actually access their emotions like Montag; they just assume happiness because it is what the government expects. The conforming to society’s regulations creates an illusion of happiness that the people only know how to distract themselves from not escape. Not only are citizens practically living a lie, but by conforming to the status quo, their lack of knowledge becomes evident.
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In this society, books are banned because the government believes they are a catalyst for conflict.Thus the people must abide by this law. Though this may prevent dispute it results in the citizens struggling to discuss topics of importance. When Mildred– Montag’s wife– invites her friends over, Montag asks them about their views on politics. They respond, “You just don’t go running a little short man like that against a tall man… Half the time I couldn’t hear a word he said. And the words I did hear I didn’t understand” (93). Unfortunately, these women lack the knowledge to discuss everyday topics, such as politics, in a thoughtful manner. Rather than saying “This candidate gave a good speech”, or “This man seems very intellectual”, they only talk about their looks and physical attributes. On the other hand of the spectrum lies Clarisse, Montag’s very intellectual neighbor who ignores the restrictions the government places on society. Many find her unusual– to the extent where she is forced to see a psychologist due to her “odd” behaviors such as taking walks. However, Clarisse is much more enlightened than the other members of society. When talking to Clarisse, Montag even says, “How odd… And my wife thirty and yet you seem so much older at times” (21). The reason she appears much older is because she thinks for herself and questions the aspects of society even if the government does not approve of this. Many of the citizens assume that whatever the government says is best, but by conforming to the society’s stereotype they are missing out on a chance to gain knowledge. Complying to this stereotype also instills inertia in the
In this society, books are banned because the government believes they are a catalyst for conflict.Thus the people must abide by this law. Though this may prevent dispute it results in the citizens struggling to discuss topics of importance. When Mildred– Montag’s wife– invites her friends over, Montag asks them about their views on politics. They respond, “You just don’t go running a little short man like that against a tall man… Half the time I couldn’t hear a word he said. And the words I did hear I didn’t understand” (93). Unfortunately, these women lack the knowledge to discuss everyday topics, such as politics, in a thoughtful manner. Rather than saying “This candidate gave a good speech”, or “This man seems very intellectual”, they only talk about their looks and physical attributes. On the other hand of the spectrum lies Clarisse, Montag’s very intellectual neighbor who ignores the restrictions the government places on society. Many find her unusual– to the extent where she is forced to see a psychologist due to her “odd” behaviors such as taking walks. However, Clarisse is much more enlightened than the other members of society. When talking to Clarisse, Montag even says, “How odd… And my wife thirty and yet you seem so much older at times” (21). The reason she appears much older is because she thinks for herself and questions the aspects of society even if the government does not approve of this. Many of the citizens assume that whatever the government says is best, but by conforming to the society’s stereotype they are missing out on a chance to gain knowledge. Complying to this stereotype also instills inertia in the