Appearance is everything. Appearance is a key factor in Montag and Faber's survival in their strict dystopian world in which they cannot read or possess any books. Despite the ban on books, Faber and Montag want to read to better their knowledge to rebel against their society while simultaneously conforming to societal standards. Both Montag and Faber act as outward conformists to please their fear-mongering government by not contesting the rules as well as Montag working as a fireman, but the two secretly harbor hatred towards their way of life after meeting Clarisse, who changes their outlook on life as well as influences the two to begin a rebellion. When Faber meets a fellow rebel, Montag, he decides to break his silence by aiding Montag from the shadows all while conforming to societal standards. …show more content…
Mildred serves as a prime example of the dangers of their mindless way of living. The protagonist, Montag, plays the perfect role in his society, a fireman with a TV-addicted wife, the same as the rest, however, certain events such as Mildred’s overdose as well as Montag’s conversations with Clarisse greatly alter his perception of the world. At the start of Fahrenheit 451, Montag is portrayed as a manic fireman who finds excitement in burning houses and books down, although he gradually realizes the unethical ideals of his career and subsequently, decides to rebel against the firemen. The first instance that causes Montag to question the world happens when he finds Mildred dead after she accidentally overdoses on sleeping pills. Two men arrive to siphon out the toxic liquids inside Mildred’s stomach, leaving Montag puzzled after the man says, “We get these cases nine or ten a night. Got so many, starting a few years ago, we had the special machines built” (Bradbury