Montag's Role In Fahrenheit 451

The two women who most affect Montag’s life are Mildred and Clarisse. They are both comparable in that they both are used to provide insight to Montag, albeit in different ways. However, contrast is found in the roles these two play in society. Another major difference would be that only one can truly survive in the society of the novel. Clarisse and Mildred share many differences while both aid Montag in his journey of discovery and enlightenment. Mildred and Clarisse both find commonality in the roles they play in Montag’s life. Both serve to awaken him to the truth of the world that he lives in. From their first meeting, Montag is struck by Clarisse’s view of the world, and he begins to question his own worldview as a result. During their first conversation she brings attention to his lack of thought. She tells him, “You never stop to think what I’ve asked you” (8) He is at first taken aback, but Montag eventually begins thinking about what he says and does. Mildred plays …show more content…
As a result of her refusal to conform to societal standards, she is estranged from her peers and community. She says, “I’m antisocial, they say. I don’t mix” (29). Her role in society is limited by society’s inability to accept her. Mildred, however, is vastly different from Clarisse. She has no qualms whatsoever in fitting the mold that society has set for her. She is one of the members of the populace whose only purpose is to be perfectly content in order to allow total control by the elite who rule the society. Her contentedness and hedonism allows her to be easily controlled as long as she is given what she requires to be happy. When asked if her entertainment that she so dearly loves returns the same affection, Mildred asks, “Why would you ask a silly question like that” (77)? Her inability to truly feel love or even care about it is characterized by this exchange. Whether or not these two women fit into society also dictates whether they can truly