Society establishes a set of rules and laws to keep it stable and the people who live in it safely. Normally, the majority will follow these rules, although occasionally, certain individuals or groups will exhibit their disfavor and revolt. In the context of Fahrenheit 451, its society and the rebellion that happens within is akin to this exactly. Bradbury writes of a time in the future when books are forbidden and television becomes the dominant media in the pursuit of a simpler, less volatile society. In other words, oppression was produced precisely at the juncture where knowledge was denied. The protagonist of the story, Guy Montag, was never one to doubt the exact reason why he carried out his society’s prohibition of literature. However, …show more content…
The quote that best captures this desire reads “Had he ever seen a fireman that didn't have black hair, black brows, a fiery face, and a blue-steel shaved but unshaved look?” (Bradbury 30) in which Montag realizes that he shares both the appearance and predisposition towards work with every other fireman. Of course, likening a group of people to each other expands on Fahrenheit 451’s theme of conformity and the tendency of individuals to act in accordance with specific standards. However, this imagery soon evolves and develops Montag’s desires as he makes certain revelations in regard to the sphere of people. As the book progresses, a realization can be made that the majority of remarks citizens make in regard to society are actually in reference to themselves as a result of its suppressive nature. People say that society will not stand for the existence of literature and that they will punish and ostracize those that do not listen. However, when people say that they will punish those who deviate from the standard, they often mean that they themselves will do the punishing. For example, quickly after Montag recognizes the value of books, Mildred turns him in and Beatty immediately embodies society’s ideals to a violent extreme. Amongst the various things Montag has witnessed throughout the entirety of the book, the result of this extreme compliance to societal standards may be the greatest motivation for his