Mcclellan Family In 'Fahrenheit 451'

1. The actions of the McClellan family mirrors what would be considered typical and somewhat everyday behaviour in the 21st century, whilst within the novel Fahrenheit 451 it is considered peculiar and in most cases illegal, deeming the family to be perceived as atypical to the general public. Within the novel shortly after the protagonist Guy Montag meets Clarisse McClellan, Clarisse draws Guy’s attention to her family’s odd behaviour by stating numerous things in which not only made him ponder his own view of life, it also made him aware of his own behaviour. On page 17 after Guy inquires as to why her house lights were blazing, Clarisse states “Oh, just my mother and father and uncle… he was arrested for being a pedestrian. Oh, we’re most peculiar.” Within this statement the reader and also the protagonist are aware that the McClellan family spends the majority of their time enjoying the wonders of life such as communicating, admiring nature, walking at all hours of the night and tasting as many things as possible; all of which are illegal and questioned within society.

2. At the end of Clarisse and Guy’s conversation, Clarisse asks Guy a simple yet profound question in which forces him to reflect on his way of life; the question being “are you happy?” This query is crucial to the plot …show more content…
Bradbury, the author of Fahrenheit 451 introduced us, the readers to Montag at a period in his life where he is truly awakened. Montag, prior to meeting Clarisse was a shell of a man; he did not think for himself, he did not recognise the horror of his culture, he did not recognise that he was not truly happy; he was the perfect citizen, the perfect firefighter. Yet after meeting Clarisse, Montag begun living life, questioning society and craving change. Mildred’s overdose cemented Montag’s questions, forcing him to view his society in a different light. Bradbury introduces us to Montag at the beginning of his plight for self-discovery, self-realization and