Fahrenheit 451 Critical Analysis

Although many underlying messages are prominent throughout this novel the main overlying theme is that blind acceptance of societal norms is a catalyst for the loss of oneself .This is expressed continuously by the action taken by characters throughout the novel.
At the start of Fahrenheit 451 Montag seems perfectly happy accepting his occupation of destroying literature as a fireman. This false sense of happiness begins to come unraveled as Montag meets Clarisse. Clarisse helps to establish the theme because she represents such a vast contrast. As she often questions the norms of the world she lives in. This causes her to come to her own conclusions about topics while others buy into preconceived ideas. Clarisse is a symbol of how questioning preconceived notions and societal norms forms a person's identity. subsequently without this type of …show more content…
Characters such as Mildred, Montag, and Clarisse are prime examples of this theme. The theme teaches readers an important lesson that is applicable to everyone. The display of this influential lesson is one of the many reasons that Fahrenheit 451 is a work literary merit. Readers are able to learn from the characters journey thus possibly preventing readers from repeating similar behavior shown by the characters.
Another reason Fahrenheit 451 is a work of literary merit is its appeal to a wide variety of people. This is due to its message hitting home for many people. It is very common today for people to become lost within the world around. And because of the frequentness of this personal dilemma reader can deeply relate to the characters, as many will see himself within one of the characters. By the lessons detailed in the novel people can see the negative effects that come from such conformity and the importance of individuality. Because of this Fahrenheit 451 becomes a sort of cautionary