In the novel Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, the protagonist, Guy Montag resides in America, however a futuristic dystopian version of it differs from America today. In this alternate culture, the possession of books are prohibited and the lives of people are limited due to the restrictions made by the government. The government manipulates the society into believing firemen have the ability to start fires in preference of burning them out. Firemen have orders to invade people’s homes and burn their books. However, Montag, Faber, and Clarisse all share a much different perspective from the other brainwashed people in society. Despite his controversial opinions, Montag works as a fireman for his city. Montag is constantly struggling with balancing
…show more content…
He’s trying to persuade Montag into going against books by undermining the knowledge one gains. He is beginning to realize Montag’s intensions and individuality so he attempts frighten him, “A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon.” (56). The books provide outside knowledge which is a threat to the government. Beatty believes that a book is as dangerous as a weapon that could take someones life. This is Beatty’s way of warning Montag that if he tries to rebel he will be deemed dangerous in the eyes of the government and himself. He explains the metaphor, “You can’t build a house without nails or wood. If you don’t want a house built, hide the nails and the wood. If you don 't want a man unhappy politically, don 't give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one.” (58) to Montag. My perception of this quote is Beatty refers to the house as the government, and the nails and the wood represent the knowledge and ideas the books provide poeple. If somebody hides the nails and the wood their won’t be controversy and anger throughout the nation, so burn all the books to keep peace. The government brainwashed the people into having one opinion to create less controversy and less power to the people. Montag and Clarisse are seen as a threats to the government because of their peculiar and individual
He’s trying to persuade Montag into going against books by undermining the knowledge one gains. He is beginning to realize Montag’s intensions and individuality so he attempts frighten him, “A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon.” (56). The books provide outside knowledge which is a threat to the government. Beatty believes that a book is as dangerous as a weapon that could take someones life. This is Beatty’s way of warning Montag that if he tries to rebel he will be deemed dangerous in the eyes of the government and himself. He explains the metaphor, “You can’t build a house without nails or wood. If you don’t want a house built, hide the nails and the wood. If you don 't want a man unhappy politically, don 't give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one.” (58) to Montag. My perception of this quote is Beatty refers to the house as the government, and the nails and the wood represent the knowledge and ideas the books provide poeple. If somebody hides the nails and the wood their won’t be controversy and anger throughout the nation, so burn all the books to keep peace. The government brainwashed the people into having one opinion to create less controversy and less power to the people. Montag and Clarisse are seen as a threats to the government because of their peculiar and individual