Sometimes, people believe they are completely happy until someone tells them different. In Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Montag is a fireman who happily burns books, but quickly realizes he is not so happy, and goes through multiple changes on his journey to finding purpose. Interacting with Clarisse changes Montag from arrogant to reflective which causes him to steal a book as important as the Bible, awakening his rebellious side, ultimately suggesting that individuals are most fulfilled when they have purpose. Before Montag is completely introduced and the reader is able to piece together his character, the first impression the reader is given of him is that he is arrogant. Bradbury establishes this idea when he writes, “Montag grinned
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When Montag saw how passionate the old woman was about her books, it was like she flipped a switch inside him that brought out his defiance. Bradbury displays Montag’s disobedience when he writes, “Montag’s hand closed like a mouth, crushed the book with wild devotion, with an insanity of mindlessness to his chest” (37). This confirms that Montag did, indeed, steal a book, but it also suggests that his actions were involuntary. Using the word “mindlessness” in this description shows that Montag’s actions were instinctive. Readers later discover that Montag had been stealing books all along, but this specific book caused more problems, leading him to rebel openly. On his way to Faber’s house, Montag carried and even read the book openly on the subway. Faber explains to Montag how dangerous their plan was, but at this point, Montag is content with his actions and says, “‘That’s the good part of dying, when you’ve nothing to lose, you run any risk you want’” (Bradbury 85). This establishes the idea that Montag has completely changed his views and can’t possibly return to his previous life of burning books. Montag is confident in his realization that books are important, and is willing to rebel in attempt to reset
When Montag saw how passionate the old woman was about her books, it was like she flipped a switch inside him that brought out his defiance. Bradbury displays Montag’s disobedience when he writes, “Montag’s hand closed like a mouth, crushed the book with wild devotion, with an insanity of mindlessness to his chest” (37). This confirms that Montag did, indeed, steal a book, but it also suggests that his actions were involuntary. Using the word “mindlessness” in this description shows that Montag’s actions were instinctive. Readers later discover that Montag had been stealing books all along, but this specific book caused more problems, leading him to rebel openly. On his way to Faber’s house, Montag carried and even read the book openly on the subway. Faber explains to Montag how dangerous their plan was, but at this point, Montag is content with his actions and says, “‘That’s the good part of dying, when you’ve nothing to lose, you run any risk you want’” (Bradbury 85). This establishes the idea that Montag has completely changed his views and can’t possibly return to his previous life of burning books. Montag is confident in his realization that books are important, and is willing to rebel in attempt to reset