Montag as Hero in Fahrenheit 451 Essay - 909 Words

Montag as Hero in Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradburys Fahrenheit 451 was first published in 1933, and its story entails a futuristic world in the middle of a nuclear war. The totalitarian government of this future forbids its people from reading or taking a part in other acts that involve individual thinking. The law against reading is, presumably, fairly new, and the government is faced with the enormous task of destroying all of its citizens books. This disposal of books is the profession of the main character, Guy Montag, who is officially titled a fireman. He and his crew raid libraries and homes, burning any books they find before dozens of overjoyed onlookers. Throughout the beginning of the novel, Montag appears to be a†¦show more content†¦As he seems nearly inhuman, he is immediately the target of the readers dislike. Immediately after the house is burned, Bradbury surprises the reader by showing that the monstrous Montag has an appreciation for that which is beautiful and intellectual. Montag is walking home from work when he meets a young girl, Clarisse, standing on the sidewalk. Montag is awestruck by Clarisses innocent curiosity: She was like an eager watcher of a marionette show, anticipating each flicker of an eyelid, each gesture of his hand, the moment before it began (25). Although Montag is not narrating the story, it is evident that he is an observant, kind person who treats the young girl he meets as any gentleman would. Seeing this side of Montag somewhat neutralizes the readers opinion of him, and causes him to seem as though he were a more round, interesting character. Clarisse begins walking with Montag every day and he grows very fond of her insight and childlike playfulness. Clarisse reminds him of his childhood and renews his interest in life--the interest that he didnt realize he had lost. With Clarisses comforting conversations, Montag realizes that he wore his happiness like a mask (26), and that he wasnt truly content with his life, as he had always believed. The first step of change is to acknowledge that something is wrong. Once Montag discovers that he is unhappy with his life, he gains the respect of the reader by taking a step towards changing hisShow MoreRelatedFahrenheit 451s Guy Montag: a Hero or a Villain?1209 Words   |  5 PagesFahrenheit 451’s Guy Montag: A Hero or a Villain? Unquestionably, all novels can convey multiple meanings depending on a variety of factors with the most important being the manner in which the audience interprets the author’s words. 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As most in this community can tell,Read MoreGuy Montag as a Hero1118 Words   |  5 PagesFrom Guy to Hero When we hear the word ‘hero’ we think about those who fight for our country out at war or those who put their lives in jeopardy everyday protecting their community like a police officer or fireman, all of these citizens doing this for a small wage in comparison to Rap artists who rhyme profane words making millions of dollars. However you don’t have to live on the streets or have more money than sense to be a hero, you just have to make a difference. In the end identifying someoneRead MoreTheme Of Heroes In Fahrenheit 451701 Words   |  3 Pages Heroes of Fahrenheit 451 A heroes’s actions reflect his character. Montag, Beatty, and, Granger are characters in the novel by Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451. These characters possess motives, commit actions, and have qualities that would classify them as heroes. Only Granger and Montag are heroes while Beatty is the definite antithesis of the two. Montag believes that books shouldn’t be feared and be embraced, Granger leads a society of individualsRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury1234 Words   |  5 Pages451 fahrenheit After reading the book â€Å"451 Fahrenheit† I have come to the conclusion that in the story, Bradbury ties personal freedom to the right of an individual having the liberty of expression when he utilizes the issue of censorship in Fahrenheit 451. It plays an enormous role and is noted to be the most important theme. In the futuristic world of Fahrenheit 451, firemen start fires rather than extinguishing them. People of this society do not think independently nor do they have important