Imagine a civilization where violent teens run rampant, citizens live in ignorance and the government has the power to drastically alter one’s most basic views. In Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 this is people’s reality. These dystopian worlds may not be too distant from the state the world is currently approaching. It is imperative that individuals maintain a sense of identity in a global landscape that is growing more and more uniform. Evaluating the dangers of a neutral mindset and oppressive government systems along with the value of free will whilst comparing these strikingly similar novels could prevent the world from resembling the cruel societies depicted.
To begin with, a theme that appears in both novels is that a constant state of neutrality is equivalent to death. Young Alex considers his parents “pitiable” (p. 53) along with the majority of middle-aged members of society due to the significant amount of time they spend watching television. He also appears to lack respect for his parents as a result of their unassertive nature. Mildred chooses to waste her life away in front of a screen as well. The detrimental results of this lifestyle can be seen through her uninformed political views along with her inadequate social …show more content…
Whether they are the well-read or political activists such as F. Alexander, those who choose to defy the government are imprisoned in an attempt curtail their societal influence. Under these regimes, a homogeneous population is preferable to one that would experience conflict. The electronic means by which both governments manage to placate their citizens and portray the conditions that they live under as favorable is sickening. Although Guy Montag’s, nor F. Alexander’s means of protest were morally sound considering the lives of others were risked or compromised, the “right” choice is not always the one that sparks
To begin with, a theme that appears in both novels is that a constant state of neutrality is equivalent to death. Young Alex considers his parents “pitiable” (p. 53) along with the majority of middle-aged members of society due to the significant amount of time they spend watching television. He also appears to lack respect for his parents as a result of their unassertive nature. Mildred chooses to waste her life away in front of a screen as well. The detrimental results of this lifestyle can be seen through her uninformed political views along with her inadequate social …show more content…
Whether they are the well-read or political activists such as F. Alexander, those who choose to defy the government are imprisoned in an attempt curtail their societal influence. Under these regimes, a homogeneous population is preferable to one that would experience conflict. The electronic means by which both governments manage to placate their citizens and portray the conditions that they live under as favorable is sickening. Although Guy Montag’s, nor F. Alexander’s means of protest were morally sound considering the lives of others were risked or compromised, the “right” choice is not always the one that sparks