Books have a history of impacting the views of the masses, influencing thought and bringing about the most spectacular inventions; the Bible, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Republic, and so many more. With books playing such a role in society, it is hard to imagine a world without literature. This is the goal of Ray Bradbury’s book, Fahrenheit 451: to explore a world where reading is outlawed, and to show how books, or the lack of, change the way people feel and connect. The general people who do not read, including the protagonist, Guy Montag, seem discontent with their lives and derive no real joy. Conversely, the readers and the thinkers are kinder, bolder, and humorous; Faber and Clarise, for example, leave powerful impacts on Montag with their thinking. Even those who do not like books yet are well-read, like Montag’s boss, Captain Beatty, are incomplete yet interesting in a way the other characters are not. The connection between books and personality is direct and proportional. In Fahrenheit 451, there is a clear difference in the quality of life between people who read and those who do not, as those who do read seem more engaging, interesting, and generally …show more content…
Despite his clear disdain for books, he can quote deep, introspective lines and build arguments using them. (pg 103). In this disarming conversation, Beatty catches Montag off guard by describing his dream and the fight they had, quoting deep literature and making his point about how books can be used to argue either side, clearly getting into Montag’s head. Yet despite his self-assurance, he is unhappy. This fact is kept hidden until after his murder, as Montag thinks of the events leading up to it. (pg 116). He remains an interesting villain throughout, from his speech early on to his cremation outside Montag’s