Examples Of Dystopia In Fahrenheit 451

Charles Gow once said, “Many people are extremely happy but are absolutely worthless to society.” The people of Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, attempt to live in a utopia, but with so many restraining boundaries, a dystopia is created. Guy Montag, with his occupation being a fireman, has one of the most important roles in society. He reinforces the law that bans literature by burning books (Bradbury 1). However, this gives rise to displeasure among the intellectuals because the government restricts them from thinking freely just to maintain equality. Fahrenheit 451 depicts a dystopian society where there is nothing but pleasure, but to many it is composed of restrictions resulting in conformity and censorship. “Those who don’t build must

She is the clarity that inspired Montag to search for his own meanings in life. “I like to watch people. Sometimes I ride the subway all day long and listen to them. I just want to figure out who they are, what they want, and where they are going. Sometimes I even go to the Fun Parks and ride in the jet cars when they race on the edge of town at midnight and the police don’t care as long as they are insured…everyone’s happy. Sometimes I sneak around and listen in subways…People don’t talk about anything” (Bradbury 27). Clarisse believes that observation is the only way to truly achieve pleasure. Although, in such a fast paced society, everyone is constantly lost in the same endless maze of conformity while in search for the next adrenaline rush. The majority considers this “fun,” even though they have lost their individuality. Not only does society limit uniqueness, but it also does not allow any form of self-expression, which keeps humans from participating in activities they enjoy. “It is like being a pedestrian, only rarer. My uncle was arrested another time-did I tell you?-for being a pedestrian. Oh, we’re most peculiar” (Bradbury 7). People are not free to think and act as they wish. If the government finds the actions of certain people “peculiar,” then they are removed from society, so no one has to worry about coming in contact with someone who differs

Captain Beatty, Guy Montag’s chief, believes that the government made the decision to censor literature to preserve happiness. “I want to be happy, people say. Well aren’t they? Don’t we keep them moving, don’t we give them fun? That’s all we live for, isn’t it? For pleasure, for titillation?” (Bradbury 56). To cope with the fast pace of society, information is condensed into multiple, easy to access, pieces of technology. Doing this, prevents the destruction of society due to the displeasure that rises from literature, as well as, continually provide entertainment for the majority. In addition, to reassure people that humanity is free of literature, firefighters are appointed to censor novels, books of poetry, etc. by burning them (Bradbury 56). “They were given the new job, as custodians of our peace of mind, the focus of our understandable and rightful dread of being inferior; official censors, judges, and executors” (Bradbury 56). The profession of fighting fires, which is centered around censorship in the society of Fahrenheit 451, destroys history and “executes” the thoughts of the writers that are expressed through their compositions. Guy Montag and Captain Beatty both obtain this position and understand the importance to uphold the law. The ability to censor carries with it an overwhelming amount of authority. As a result, this becomes the basis