The author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury, is pessimistic throughout the novel because the main character shows distress over people not having their own personalities, relying mainly on technology, and letting the government control everything. Even though, Bradbury shows optimism because he thought it could all change, by people standing up for what they believe in and willing to risk everything to create a better community. A common misunderstanding is that Montag is distressed about what the past has left him with, like no wife and the city burnt down, but in reality it is a new beginning and he has high hopes of what the future will bring. Though, throughout most of the story it's clear that the author is pessimistic. Bradbury shows
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In fact, Montag claims that the society relays primarily on technology. For example, Montag is annoyed by the fact that his wife is basically brainwashed by her virtual reality tv shows. The parlor walls in his house act as wall sized televisions, and are very loud and distracting. From this, she feels so empty inside that she overdoses on sleeping pills, and Montag then realizes there is something really wrong with the technology. Other than that, Montag fears a different type of technology, the mechanical hound. It's only use is "...hunting and finding and killing" (27). When it is programmed to kill Montag, he has no choice but to blast it with the flame gun and kill it. This is important to relate to pessimism in the novel because the society has created technology that causes harm. Even though the government thinks it is a great idea for catching criminals. Montag does not think it is right. Lastly, Montag relates fast cars and air tube trains with the impatience of people. No one stops to admire nature anymore. Bradbury expresses his feelings about how important it is to admire nature through the main character. Although, Montag did appreciate technology once with the Green Bullet. The radio made it possible for him to communicate with Faber, and he was thankful for that. With all of this considered, the author expressed pessimism throughout most of the story
In fact, Montag claims that the society relays primarily on technology. For example, Montag is annoyed by the fact that his wife is basically brainwashed by her virtual reality tv shows. The parlor walls in his house act as wall sized televisions, and are very loud and distracting. From this, she feels so empty inside that she overdoses on sleeping pills, and Montag then realizes there is something really wrong with the technology. Other than that, Montag fears a different type of technology, the mechanical hound. It's only use is "...hunting and finding and killing" (27). When it is programmed to kill Montag, he has no choice but to blast it with the flame gun and kill it. This is important to relate to pessimism in the novel because the society has created technology that causes harm. Even though the government thinks it is a great idea for catching criminals. Montag does not think it is right. Lastly, Montag relates fast cars and air tube trains with the impatience of people. No one stops to admire nature anymore. Bradbury expresses his feelings about how important it is to admire nature through the main character. Although, Montag did appreciate technology once with the Green Bullet. The radio made it possible for him to communicate with Faber, and he was thankful for that. With all of this considered, the author expressed pessimism throughout most of the story