Fahrenheit 451 And The Pedestrian By Ray Bradbury

In Fahrenheit 451, and “The Pedestrian”, even though the societies see technology as beneficial, it is the main problem in their life. In Fahrenheit 451, Mildred is a good example of how harmful technology in their world is. For example, Montag asks Mildred, if she could turn her viewing screen off for a sick man, but she only replies to turn it down , calling the screen her “family,” (Bradbury 52). Mildred and other people in this society don’t really pay attention to their real family members, instead they just spend time with their viewing screen. In addition, Montag later states,” And in her ears, the little seashells, thimble radios, tamped tight…” And, “There had been no night in the last two years that Mildred had not swum in that sea,

Technology has also caused people to start to forget very obvious, and important things in this world, such as when a person met their husband. Montag asks Mildred where they met, and Mildred just responds saying “I don’t know”, and calls it a very silly question, (Bradbury 46). Montag is very troubled by this, and starts to wonder if society will keep forgetting important things that have happened in their life. Other characters in this book also help add on ideas about technology, such as Faber who states, “ So now do you see why books are hated and feared? They show the pores in the face of life. The comfortable people want only wax moon faces, poreless, hairless, expressionless”, (Bradbury, 85). In this section of text, Faber is telling Montag that people surround themselves with technology in this world, because they like the feeling of being comfortable, and protected from the realities of life. Another story by Bradbury, “The Pedestrian” also gives an idea of how harmful technology can

Mead states, “Hello in there, what’s up tonight on channel 4, Channel 7, Channel 9? Where are the cowboys rushing, and do I see the United States Cavalry over the next hill to the rescue?”, (Bradbury, Page 1). In this world, the streets are deserted, and people stay inside, watching their viewing screens to give them a false happiness. These viewing screens help give the government control, and are seen as positive by the people, but negative in real life. Mead is seen as different, because he enjoys nature,and does not live for happiness. For example on page 2, Mead is arrested by police officers for just going for a walk. It states, “What are you doing?”, “Walking”, said Leonard Mead. “Walking!”, “Just walking”. It is also stated, “And you have a viewing screen in your house to see with?”, “No.” “No?”, (Bradbury Page 2) The police are surprised at the fact Mead goes walking instead of staying inside and watching his viewing