Fahrenheit_451_Essay

Fahrenheit 451 A complacent society is a carefree, obedient one which allows itself to be drained of individuality and diminished into a dehumanised state where free speech and critical thinking is condemned. Ray Bradbury explores this notion through his novel ‘Fahrenheit 451’ by presenting to the audience the transformation of an estranged Montag within a consumer driven dystopian setting where media dictates all thoughts and attitude and, where there is no remote semblance of individuality. Using diverse characterisation, a comprehensive narrative style coupled with a frightening, yet potentially realistic plot and setting, Bradbury effectively demonstrates the importance of individuality and intellectualism in society as well as the dangers of censorship. Bradbury takes the standpoint of an omniscient narrator providing a deep perspective into the setting he has created, but however centres all events on the novel’s chief protagonist, Montag. Montag is initially presented to us as a model of professionalism and conformism in society, a fireman with “black hair, black brows, fiery face” and the “blue steel shaved but unshaved look”. He takes great content in his occupation and with society “bearing the fierce grin of all men singed and driven back by flame”. However he is slightly aware that something is wrong with society and collects and reads books in secrecy in order to quench his thirst for knowledge. It is not until a fateful meeting with the young, innocent Clarisse, who asks him the simple question “are you happy'” that Montag reconsiders his contentment, finding that he is in fact discontent, and is able to gain a basic comprehension of the denial of individuality present within his society. This new found understanding of society and discontent stemming from it results in several conflicts involving him and society throughout the novel. Bradbury creates an uncertain yet multifaceted character through Montag. Montag feels passionate about inciting a change in society but however due to the limitations of society has on him he is unable act as an individual. As a result, he is unable to articulate his conflict with society and acts in a rash, frustrated manner. Bradbury uses simple sentences such as “ darkness” and “ He was not happy” to express Montag’s limitations as an individual and his state of mind. Symbolism is incorporated throughout the novel by Bradbury in order to highlight Montag’s change as well as the shallowness of society. He uses the symbol of the sieve and the sand in the second part of the novel to illustrate Montag’s inability to grasp the meaning of books and to understand his conflict within society. The symbol of fire is utilised on many instances throughout the novel to give meaning to different things. One of them being fire used by the firemen that destroys and another being a symbol of strength as shown in the quote "Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.". The allegory of the phoenix is used to illustrate Montag’s change as a rebirth and provides the audience with hope for the future. Bradbury presents the character of Clarisse as a symbol of free thought, non conformity and sincerity. Her innocence, inquisitiveness and independence prevent her from being influenced by the consumerism and thoughtlessness of society. It is these qualities within her that has a substantial effect upon Montag’s perception of the world around him and facilitates for his internal transformation. Bradbury gives Clarisse angelic, natural qualities using a metaphor in the quote “He saw himself in her eyes, … flattering light of the candle” to compare her to a flickering candle and contrasting that to the artificiality of a hysterical light. Due to her uniqueness and ability to express her thoughts freely is seen as a threat to society and its ideals and as a result she is labelled psychologically unstable, as stated in the quote “ The psychiatrist wants to know why I go out ….. I’ll show you my collection one day”, and a “ticking time bomb” by Beatty. In essence, Bradbury uses Clarisse as a contrast to the consumer driven, thought deprived society that is portrayed throughout the novel. Montag’s wife, Mildred, represents the epitome of thought depravity and conformity within the novel. Bradbury characterises Mildred as a passive consumer that complies and embraces the hedonism and limitations of society and that, unlike other characters, does not deviate from the status quo of society. Mildred lacks attachment to anything but her TV ‘Parlour Families’ and her ‘Seashells’, treating her husband in an indifferent manner. It is her cold, distant, indecipherable relationship she has with Montag and reality that establishes her as one of the more frightening characters of the novel. Bradbury makes her use simplistic, shortened dialogue and makes her conversations lack substance. This can be reflected upon in the quote “She didn’t look up from her script again….. ‘I just told you. There are these people named Bob, Ruth and Helen”. This quote elucidates her inability to elaborate on her justification emphasising her thoughtless, insipid state. Bradbury uses the character of Mildred as a representative and a product of the hedonistic, thought deprived society.