by Mariya G

Created on: May 01, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

Being an individual can an unpleasant and lonely affair, especially in a society where "equality" means "sameness" and conformity is the way of life. Guy Montag, Bradbury's main character in Fahrenheit 451, is "anyman." He's just an ordinary, tax-paying, law-abiding, married guy who has an important job. As a fireman, he is both feared and revered.

Of course in Montag's society firemen don't put fires out why should they? Everything is made of fireproof materials.he sets them. Specifically, his job is to burn books. Since the founding fathers decreed literature of any sort banned, firemen have been entrusted with protecting society from the dangerous, contradictory, inciting, and infuriating influences of books.

In a society of rigid laws and almost drone-like conformity Montag leads a life of contentment, that is, of course, until he meets Clarisse (meaning "clarity" or "brightness"). Her childlike innocence and intense curiosity wakes Montag from his slumber and he begins the agonizing process of becoming an individual in an insectoid society.

He starts to wonder about things he never wondered about. In a world of superficial emotions Guy begins to feel deeply and profoundly. He realizes that he never loved before and that he is thoroughly unhappy. Yet he is also in a strange way in love with Clarisse for opening his eyes. He also feels anguish over having burned so many books and fear for steeling books, reading and hiding them. Montag's struggle to find himself is nothing less than heroic. He is transformed from a pillar of lawfulness as an enforcer into a rebel and an outlaw.

This wonderful work is about many things. Mainly, it is a guide to discovering your own voice and raising that voice to transform your society as well as the consequences of not having the courage to do so.

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