Analytical Essay On Fahrenheit 451

Over the years, pop culture and access to the internet have made society more violent and isolated. The plot of Fahrenheit 451 unfolds in a society where books are burned to suppress information and people are controlled by meaningless entertainment. This dystopian world is plagued by an increase in violent behavior, including high suicide rates and a surge in homicides. The protagonist, Montag, embarks on a journey of self-discovery after meeting a teenage girl who alters his view of society. Comfortable ignorance can lead to violence and hatred, but rejecting that comfort and pursuing enlightenment can lead to personal growth and positive change in an individual.

If individuals remain uninformed, society deteriorates as they disseminate

In Sacha Baron Cohen’s 2019 ADL speech, he debates the dangers of fake news. He explains how it leads to the spread of misinformation and can control certain, important aspects of our lives. One crucial aspect put in jeopardy by deception is the government. As Cohen says, “Democracy, which depends on shared truths, is in retreat, and autocracy, which depends on shared lies, is on the march” (Sacha Baron Cohen 7). In a democratic society, the education of the population is crucial. If lies are accepted as truth, democracy cannot thrive. Misinformation can be used to manipulate and control the masses, ultimately leading to autocratic and ineffective governance. In Fahrenheit 451, many of the country’s citizens are exposed to propaganda in schools and are fed false information at a young age. The lack of education causes the fall of society and instills violence in its citizens. In the book, Clarisse states "I'm afraid of children my own age. They kill each other. …Six of my friends have been shot in the last year

After turning off the TV walls, Montag attempts to initiate a conversation with Mildred and her friends. Despite their reluctance, they eventually comply. However, Montag becomes upset upon hearing that their decision in the past presidential election was based solely on the superficial qualities of the candidates. He also becomes increasingly distressed by their disinterest and indifference regarding wars and violent events. In response, he reads a section from Dover Beach to them. After he concluded his reading,
“Mrs. Phelps was crying. The others in the middle of the desert watched her crying grow very loud as her face squeezed itself out of shape. They sat, not touching her, bewildered with her display. She sobbed uncontrollably. Montag himself was stunned and shaken… Mrs. Bowels stood up and glared at Montag. ‘You see? I knew it, that's what I wanted to prove! I knew it would happen! I've always said, poetry and tears, poetry and suicide and crying and awful feelings, poetry and sickness; all that mush!’” (Bradbury