Ray Bradbury, an American author never shy to speak his mind through his assortment of short stories and novels- defines himself as a “preventer of fires”, not a starter of them. The story follows Guy Montag, a firefighter in a dystopian society, who upon meeting Clarisse McClellan, becomes involved in the dilemma of conforming to a numb, familiar life or entering a foreign, dangerous one. The story highlights issues in society that are prevalent even today. The alienation in Montag’s society severs human ties and stifles happiness; yet, also allows those outcast to associate and survive for a better future. In this society, human connections and affection are lost, leaving people to be present but not together. For example, Montag and Clarisse …show more content…
I don't feel much of anything… I don't think I feel sad…” after being unsure if his wife survived bombs that were dropped on the city (Bradbury148). Even though Mildred is his wife, Montag doesn't feel unsettled not knowing if she is alive, meaning they grew apart and out of love most likely due to Mildred being overly involved with her TV family. Their marriage has never been portrayed as happy, and in today’s society, it would have been seen as unhealthy, but since this is the world they grew up and live in, the couple doesn't see anything that needs to improve. “The televisor is ‘real’ …It tells you what to think and blasts it in... It seems so right”, explained Faber about the interactive, futuristic TVs (Bradbury80). TVs function as a guillotine for people’s relationships as they single out individuals, draw their attention and work to entertain, as a way to distract them from the people and life around them. Televisors act as a distraction from the outside world, a numbing agent or a way to cope with life, the same way the teenagers exert their violence at the “Car Wrecker place” or the “Window Smasher place” and how Mildred uses sleeping pills (leading to an overdose). For this reason, Mildred determines the need for a 4th wall, and demands to her