Throughout the world, censorship is used as a tool to instill certain ideas into the citizens of a society. Although it is effective in conforming a society’s citizens to certain views, is it beneficial? Ray Bradbury explores this theme through the novel “Fahrenheit 451”, where he conveys the message that censorship leads to the conformity of its citizens, which results in a regressive society due to the lack of opposing views. By using the characterization of Montag, the dialog of conformists in the novel’s society, and the inner monolog of Montag, Bradbury explores the ideas of conformity, and how opposing views are stifled by them. Using the characterization of Montag, Bradbury reveals that censorship leads to conformity. When Montag is first introduced, in a scene where he is …show more content…
The answer to this question is answered by Montag’s dialog, which reveals that conformity and a lack of opposing views leads to a regressive society. In the beginning of the book, after meeting Clarisse, he realizes “He was not happy. He was not happy. He said the words to himself. He recognized this as the true state of affairs” (12). Montag’s inner monolog reveals that he was unhappy, and at that part of the story, he conformed to society and kept his views in line with the ideals of the firemen. Later in the book, he breaks free from society’s mold, and the way he sees the world changes. What was once furious and consuming, fire, has changed in his mind. Later in the book, he describes fire as “The small, motion, the white and red color, a strange motion because it meant a different thing to him.” (Bradbury 145). Because of the transition from a sad individual when conforming to society, to one that his happy from breaking through its mold, it is obvious that conformity and a lack of regressive views leads to a regressive