Montag has been taught that fire destroys and rids of his consequences, but he has not seen the true damage it could cause, until now. While out on a job with his fellow firefighters, Montag finds himself having to burn down the home of an older lady who kept books hidden in her house, this going against society's rules, but while in the process of destroying the home, the old woman decides that if her books burn then she shall die with them ,and with this “ The woman on the porch reached out with contempt to them all, and struck the kitchen match against the railing.” (Bradbury page, 37) This catalyst brings Montag to wonder what could the worth of books mean to people, how could simple words on paper mean worth anything when your life depends on it. This action brings Montag to contact a old individual he had met in the past to get guidance for his questions. Montag's refined view of fire changes as he experiences this traumatic experience, this changing the continuous theme that fire contributes to society. Now Montag sees the dangers of it and what effects it can have on …show more content…
Each of these brief characters actions, and influences give Montag the ability to depend upon himself, each taught him a lesson to learn from. He could go against all odds and decide to leave his past life behind and begin a new with his new perspectives and mindset . If these characters had not played a role, Montag would not achieve his new identity and view of life. After the destruction of his old town, not only in his mind , but physically due to the war, he can now use his new abilities of introspection and build an new society of mindfulness and freedom of