Clarisse's Rethink In Fahrenheit 451

Children are the most pure examples of the human race. They have not been flawed by societal norms; they are still purely themselves. The pure nature of children is miles away from the beaten down attitude of adults. Adults have seen the pain of reality, and it has caused them to stray from their original state. When the two groups meet, sometimes incredible things happen. In the case of the elderly, sometimes working with young children can bring them seemingly back to their younger selves. In worlds where interaction between people is bleak and often nonexistent, teenagers offer a contrast that can make adults curious again. And in a world so filled with meaningless pain that almost all lose hope, children are there to make them rethink

The world of Fahrenheit 451 is one without books. This difference in society has lead to a lack in personal connections and curiosity. Although most children of the society have fallen into this trap as well, Clarisse has not. “I rarely watch the ‘parlor walls’ or go to races or Fun Parks. So I have lots of time for crazy thoughts, I guess.” (Bradbury, P. 9) Clarisse’s family is different than the normal family; they talk to each other, and let Clarisse be herself. Therefore, Clarisse never lost her childhood ideals. She is still free the think for herself, be kind, and be curious. When Montag meets Clarisse, the two clash in an interesting way. “You’re peculiar, you’re aggravating, yet you 're easy to forgive. You say you 're seventeen?...How odd. How strange. And my wife thirty and yet you seem so much older at times. I can’t get over it.”(Bradbury, P. 23) Clarisse is a breed all of her own, and the separation confuses Montag. The way that Clarisse thinks and behaves is more reminiscent of an adult than a teenager. Montag grows increasingly more intrigued each time he talks with Clarisse. “He stood outside the talking house in the shadows, thinking he might even tap on their door and whisper, “Let me in. I won’t say anything. I just want to listen. What is it you’re saying?’” (Bradbury, P. 17) Montag eventually reaches a point where he can’t stand his normal life anymore. Clarisse, intentionally or not, has shocked Montag back into his childlike curiosity. All he wants to do is learn, something he’s never felt so attached to before. This is how Montag becomes comfortable enough with his wonder to start reading books. Within just a few moments of interaction with her, Clarisse was able to bring back the curiosity in Montag’s