In Bradbury’s novel, “Fahrenheit 451,” living in a highly technological world is depicted as potentially destructive to society. The advanced technology in the novel captures people’s attention, as evidenced by the quote, “You’re not important. You’re not anything” (Bradbury 163). “Fahrenheit 451” is classified as dystopian literature, which explores a fictional world where attempts to create a perfect society result in widespread human suffering (Critique by Michael M.).
Levy (Levy explains) points out that technology is dominating humans, and society needs to address this issue. In order to establish a “utopia,” Fahrenheit 451 depicts a scenario where the government restricts citizens’ rights and freedoms for the sake of creating a flawless society. The novel, written by Ray Bradbury, is described as both alarming in its implications [New York Times] and paradoxically straightforward in its language. Ultimately, Fahrenheit 451 aims to criticize the belief that ignorance is bliss.
In this novel, we are presented with a glimpse of a grim world that closely resembles our own (perhaps too closely). In this world, warfare is frequent, emotions are rejected, there is no sense of family, and independent thinking is no longer valued. To enforce this aspect of Bradbury’s dystopian society, books have been outlawed and anyone caught in possession of them is condemned to be burned along with the books. And who is responsible for maintaining this world of ignorance? These “firemen” are not so different from the firemen in our present-day society – they dress alike, drive large trucks, and blare their sirens loudly.
However, there is one key difference – these firemen have a unique task, they initiate fires; their mission is to eliminate wicked books. And the embodiment of the heartless, unfeeling, and cold fireman is none other than Guy Montag. As stated in the novel Fahrenheit, “So it was the hand that started it all . . . His hands had been infected, and soon it would be his arms . . . His hands were ravenous.” This quote showcases Montag’s perspective regarding destruction. His profession required him to annihilate, and in this society, destruction held a position of honor.
In the beginning of the novel, Montag is just like everyone else—he loves his job and never questions authority. But everything changes when he meets Clarisse on his way home from work. Clarisse, who is innocent and unaware of the problems in society, opens Montag’s eyes to the crumbling state of their world. She shows him that he can be part of the solution, instead of being like everyone else who contributes to the problem. She tells Montag, “You’re different from the others. I’ve seen a few; I know.”
Clarisse notices Montag’s curiosity about the world and his acknowledgment of the restricted and monitored society. Despite living in a time where people are often too busy to pay attention to others, Montag is one of the few who tolerates Clarisse when she talks. This surprises her, considering that he is a fireman, which doesn’t seem fitting for someone like him. Bradbury’s Fahrenheit (Pt. 1) highlights this observation.
Questioning his surroundings, the protagonist witnesses his wife overdosing on pills and Clarisse supposedly being hit by a car. Even his nightly book burnings, performed for profit, become an object of curiosity. This curiosity leads him to “steal” a book from a raging fire during one of his raids. Observing the woman about to lose her virtual library to the flames, he contemplates the significance of something worth dying for. Amidst chaos, they forcefully enter and apprehend her, but she remains motionless with her eyes fixed on an empty space in the wall as if struck on the head. Her tongue moves within her mouth as she tries to remember something until finally recalling: “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.” (Bradbury, Fahrenheit Pt. 2)
The old woman’s claims were dismissed as madness by the other firemen, causing Montag to question if he will suffer the same fate. Both physically and emotionally ill, Montag realizes that his wife prioritizes television over his well-being, recognizes the world’s heartless nature, and discovers causes worth sacrificing for. The influence of technology increasingly drives society’s behavior. Mildred, Montag’s wife, is described as having “lost herself in technology” and isolates herself in their living room dominated by three life-sized television screens.
The walls in her surroundings have a deeper connection with her and interact with her more than real people. She scolds Montag, her husband, for switching off her artificial “family”. Although they are just programmed characters, Mildred considers them as her only family. The problem of technology in this futuristic society is that it effectively manipulates people’s minds. Many individuals fear that further advancements in technology could eventually lead to the downfall of society as people may become oblivious to their surroundings. Bradbury suggests that the omnipresence of technology will ultimately discourage people from reading books.
If people stop reading books, they may lose important knowledge, such as history, the complexities of human behavior, the origins of life, and other significant matters that could gradually fade away due to technological progress. Furthermore, if technology becomes overpowering, individuals may struggle to effectively communicate their ideas and beliefs. The dominance of technology would diminish the value of introducing new ideas into society. Moreover, the prominence of technology could also negatively impact our communication methods.
Bradbury’s book highlights the detrimental consequences of a society that prohibits interpersonal connections and hampers communication. The author emphasizes the importance of independent thinking, critical analysis, and innovation in driving societal progress. This lack of individuality is demonstrated by the unquestioning acceptance of the societal structure within this community. Consequently, power becomes concentrated in a select few who possess knowledge, reinforcing the link between knowledge and power.
When individuals cease critical thinking and begin unquestioningly accepting decisions made by a select few who possess power and knowledge, it poses a significant threat to society. Over time, this will gradually erode the influence and impact the people hold. In Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit (Part 1), the quote “I haven’t had time to think” holds immense significance as it highlights a central message. Within the book, people find their minds constantly occupied, with no time or inclination to engage in thought. This phenomenon proves detrimental to the overall well-being of society since deep contemplation is crucial. The advertisement for “Denham’s Dentrifice” in the subway serves as an illustration of how people are constantly preoccupied with thoughts.
Often, if people were to pause and reflect, it would be advantageous for them. A small amount of logical thinking can often save the day, but individuals in our society rarely engage in such thinking. It seems that his ideal society lacks diversity and independent thought, as it is the unique qualities and abilities of each person that make them individuals. Montag’s fire chief implies that he comprehends and acknowledges Montag’s inquisitiveness about literature, but proceeds to assert that literature lacks profound meaning, insight, or purpose.
In this new society and to the fire-crew, books are considered meaningless and deserving of burning. For example, books that are disliked by “colored people” such as Little Black Sambo or by white people such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin are burned. Even books that discuss important topics like tobacco and cancer of the lungs are burned, causing distress to cigarette manufacturers. The protagonist, Montag, is urged to find peace and serenity by taking his fight against books outside or even into the incinerator. Additionally, funerals are seen as unhappy and pagan, leading to the suggestion of eliminating them. The text emphasizes the brightness and cleanliness associated with fire. This portrayal of burning books and opposition to various aspects of society indicates an anti-government theme in Fahrenheit 451.
According to Beatty’s explanation in part one, the control of people’s lives by the government was not a plot by dictators or tyrants, but rather a consensus among ordinary individuals. These people lack strong-mindedness and are reluctant to think critically or tackle the world’s troubling issues on their own. It is much simpler for them to lead a secluded existence where television represents reality. However, it is crucial to recognize that Fahrenheit 451 conveys messages against apathy, dependence, and excessive reliance on television. The characters in the novel are gripped by fear – fear of self-discovery, which ultimately leads them to rely on others (the government) to do their thinking for them.
Television serves as a means to occupy the minds of people who lack thinking. However, it brings about numerous issues such as violence, depression, and even suicide. For Montag, finding peace comes at the expense of his own world. In his contemplation, he wonders if perhaps it is the world itself that is insane. The futuristic society portrayed in Fahrenheit 451 demonstrates a gradual shift towards brainwashed individuals who lack depth and merely act instead of truly living. This novel serves as a warning, highlighting the potential path society may take if caution is not exercised.
MLA Bibliography: Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451.
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