Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

Chloe Shellhammer Mrs. Fawcett Honors English Period 3 3 June 2024 Acquisition of Knowledge Edgar Allan Poe once said, "happiness is not to be found in knowledge but in the acquisition of knowledge.” In the science fiction novel, Fahrenheit 451 written by Ray Bradbury, a point similar to Poe’s is demonstrated by Guy Montag, a fireman who lights fires rather than puts them out. Montag finds life can be exhilarating and cruel, filled with hope and heartache on his eye-opening quest for knowledge. After escaping his near death, he encounters a character named Granger, and a group of retired professors who teach Montag their intuitive ways. Through the actions of Granger and his group as well as Guy Montag, Bradbury illustrates how the pursuit

Those like Granger and his group have a unique outlook on life compared to the rest of the dystopian society, with a more thoughtful and deepened perspective which strengthens their human connections. This tight-knit society has gone through a long process to acquire their knowledge and the ongoing pursuit for more gives the characters a sense of self-worth and individuality. Their chase leads them to “never get so discouraged or disgusted that [they] [give] up doing it, all over again, because [they] [know] it is imperative and worth the doing” (Bradbury 147). With their acquired knowledge and deeper understanding of life, these individuals appear to readers as strong-minded individuals. While the rest of society watches endless screens and burns books, those with the strength to venture outside societal norms to pursue knowledge will find fulfillment, just like Granger and his group. By going out on a limb, these persevering individuals create a wonderful community for people such as Guy Montag to fit in during his quest for

Literary critic Gilbert Highet expressed how “we may reach the stage of hating literature. and abandoning the search for happiness because we prefer soothing or exciting pleasures” (Highet 217). A similar phenomenon is seen in Fahrenheit 451 when people migrate towards a lifestyle focusing on convenience rather than pursuing knowledge. However, the novel also shows the possible result of this scenario: the brainwashed citizens fall into a depressive state with a fake smile, and those who stand true to themselves and their morals find peace. With this, characters such as Guy Montag are a perfect demonstration of how reaching a goal such as the acquisition of knowledge will bring individual satisfaction. Overall, Montag, Granger, and Granger’s group, prove how the quest for knowledge will lead an individual to joy and peace. The perseverance and trust in the journey allow Granger and his accomplices to exceed societal norms and accelerate as individuals. With an abrupt epiphany, Guy Montag also displays noteworthy activities as both an individual and a new member of a hidden knowledge-based