The character that follows and stays obedient to the oppressive government is the character opposed to Montag. The character that fits this description is Captain Beatty, for he believes and personifies the government’s anti-book ideology. Though, there are many perspective differences between Beatty and Montag; Beatty is an intellectual equal to him. For instance, Beatty expresses his knowledge and acknowledgement of the information inside literature throughout Fahrenheit 451. When he attempts to evacuate the old woman outside from her house, he says to her, “You’ve been locked up here for years with a regular damned Tower of Babel” (Bradbury 35). Captain Beatty reveals that he has read a book before by making a biblical reference, which shows …show more content…
Beatty shares to Montag his belief that literature is confusing and are full of meaningless words. In addition, he claims that reading can be harmful to oneself. According to Beatty, the mass censorship and burning of books ordered by the government are acts of societal good. Beatty shares his personal belief that, “Technology, mass exploitation and minority pressure carried the trick, thank God. Today, thanks to them, you can stay happy all the time” (Bradbury 55). He explains to Montag that censorship is the trick to a happy and ordered society. The advancement of entertainment technology aided in the censorship by distracting the population with entertainment. Montag’s view towards books is opposite to the views of Beatty, which makes Montag rethink whether or not his comrades are a positive effect on society. Additionally, Montag’s horrific experience of watching a woman die for her books, makes him wonder what books truly contain. After witnessing a death of a martyr, Montag expresses that he is discouraged to continue his line of work to Mildred. He asks his wife and himself a question: Why was that old woman willing to die for her books? Captain Beatty’s confrontation with Montag furthers Montag’s interests in books. Thus, Beatty forces Montag to question his government and the information that was spoon-fed to him all his life. Montag wonders if he is part of