Fahrenheit 451 Clarisse Vs Montag Essay

Clarisse vs Mildred Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is a novel about a young man named Guy Montag who lives in a society where books have been banned and the citizens are not allowed to think for themselves. In the beginning of the story, we meet Montag's wife, Mildred Montag, who is one of many that are living an empty life that does not have meaning or purpose. We also meet Clarisse McClellan, Montag's neighbor, who realizes the tragedy of the society they live in; and she enjoys nature and cares about other people. These are rare character traits in someone living in this society. These two woman influence Montag in different and remarkable ways. Mildred's influence on Montag can be viewed negatively while Clarisse's influence can be viewed positively. These two women differ in what they value, differ in their response to Montag as a person, and differ in how they respond to their society's norms: These reasons are the catalyst for Montag's change. One difference between these two women is the difference in what they value. Clarisse values nature and beauty in everything, which is rejected in this society. The government of this society programs it's people to respond the way they want them to respond, and value the things they value. The government prides in …show more content…
The governing people of this society have made it to where everything is easy and nothing requires thought. For example, the programs that are on the television, or “parlor walls”, allow the citizens to play an interactive role in the storyline, where the person is one of the characters in the program. These televisions eliminate dead time for thought and contemplation. Mildred is among the casualties in this society. One of Mildred’s favorite pastimes is her “family”, which is what she calls her television screens. Mildred’s obsession with material things shows how the governing people have succeeded in making people lifeless and with no real emotion or