Fahrenheit 451: A Revelation in The Sea of Faith
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury discusses the dangers of a society without authenticity and human connections. Bradbury and Matthew Arnold, author of the poem Dover Beach, both offer criticisms on this fruitless and idle way of life. In Fahrenheit 451, the world in which Guy Montag and Mildred live has chosen simple pleasures and mere distractions over intellect and free thinking, which are “evil.” Dover Beach complements these themes by highlighting the darker, more empty side of instant gratification, and the vicious cycle suffered by those who are not always so keen on choosing what will ultimately grant them fulfillment and purpose.
As Montag loses faith in his occupation as a fireman, he begins seeking meaning in his life elsewhere. He is intrigued by books, and by whatever it is about them that makes them so dangerous they must be destroyed. Once he begins reading, he finds himself overwhelmed and confused. He is plagued with dissatisfaction at the rest of the world for ignoring books, but he is also troubled by his own lack of clarity. He is unable to make sense of the larger meaning he believes these printed words must hold. As internal confusion morphs …show more content…
Montag and the speaker of the poem are despaired by the world around them and are seeking a happy and meaningful life. Ignorance is a major obstacle for them, as it prevents people from connecting with each other and forming interpersonal relationships. This ignorance creates darkness and confusion that have been half-heartedly covered with illusions of light and truth. In Montag’s society, these illusions have taken the form of technology, and the problem is that most people believe in them. According to both works, this ignorance leads to senseless violence, forceful censorship, and
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury discusses the dangers of a society without authenticity and human connections. Bradbury and Matthew Arnold, author of the poem Dover Beach, both offer criticisms on this fruitless and idle way of life. In Fahrenheit 451, the world in which Guy Montag and Mildred live has chosen simple pleasures and mere distractions over intellect and free thinking, which are “evil.” Dover Beach complements these themes by highlighting the darker, more empty side of instant gratification, and the vicious cycle suffered by those who are not always so keen on choosing what will ultimately grant them fulfillment and purpose.
As Montag loses faith in his occupation as a fireman, he begins seeking meaning in his life elsewhere. He is intrigued by books, and by whatever it is about them that makes them so dangerous they must be destroyed. Once he begins reading, he finds himself overwhelmed and confused. He is plagued with dissatisfaction at the rest of the world for ignoring books, but he is also troubled by his own lack of clarity. He is unable to make sense of the larger meaning he believes these printed words must hold. As internal confusion morphs …show more content…
Montag and the speaker of the poem are despaired by the world around them and are seeking a happy and meaningful life. Ignorance is a major obstacle for them, as it prevents people from connecting with each other and forming interpersonal relationships. This ignorance creates darkness and confusion that have been half-heartedly covered with illusions of light and truth. In Montag’s society, these illusions have taken the form of technology, and the problem is that most people believe in them. According to both works, this ignorance leads to senseless violence, forceful censorship, and