In Ray Bradbury’s perplexing and intuitive novel, Fahrenheit 451, he explores many intriguing themes. He uses a variety of literary devices to increase the reader’s knowledge of the characters and the society in which they live. The characterization of Mildred and Clarisse is used through narrative description and dialogue to develop the theme of a society that no longer uses its own intellectual capability to think or question. He implies that without thinking the citizens in this society unknowingly restrict their emotional and mental growth, as well as create danger.
In the novel, Bradbury indicates through his writing that Clarisse is peculiar compared to the rest of society. When Clarisse is first introduced she is portrayed as inquisitive and curious, personality traits that are normally not welcomed. During her first meeting with Montag her nature is represented in the quote, “He felt she was walking in a circle about him, turning him end for end, shaking him quietly, and emptying his pockets, without once moving herself.” (Bradbury 4). In the novel, her sudden
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Ray Bradbury implies with his use of characterization that while the government's influence can hurt people who think as intended, it can also hurt the average people in the city. As a result, because Clarisse is a thinker, it is seen as acceptable to have her killed, but Mildred’s suicide attempt proves that even the people who act in the way the government wants are not safe from its consequences. Everyone is apt to be harmed by this government’s ability to put thoughts into their citizens’ heads and give them no way to find or question the truth about anything. Clarisse is brought into the story because of her influence over Montag and his ability to think, while Mildred reinforces what this government has made people become. Their characters’ development throughout the story intensify the theme of a detrimental