"No one has time anymore for anyone else" (Bradbury 23). In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, Clarisse complains about the neglect people have for others. The story is set in a future where critical thinking is suppressed and people are expected to only worry about themselves. These expectations have created the foundation of this civilization. A disconnection from reality has been fostered through the repression of literature and the shallowness of relationships due to attention spans directed to technology. The theme of alienation is portrayed through these societal norms as the government expects ignorance and conformity, encouraging isolation. Clarisse's realization of the emptiness in this dystopian society, caused by the absence of literature, …show more content…
they all say the same things and nobody says anything different from anyone else," (31). Without books, people lack access to diverse perspectives. Montag and Clarisse's discussions about conformity prompt Montag to become aware of the unsettling acceptance of living following societal norms. When he brings up this concern with Beatty, however, Beatty dismissively responds "You always dread the unfamiliar.We must all be alike.Each man the image of every other" (58). Being similar to everyone else is believed to lead to happiness by avoiding comparisons with others. Beatty further explains that "a book is a loaded gun" and should be feared (58). Books offer diverse and potentially dangerous ideas in a fragile society by encouraging independent thinking. The idea of everyone being one encourages civilization to remain isolated. The superficiality of societal relationships reflects a lack of the need for people to form meaningful bonds. Technology is praised by the residents of society, causing a lack of attention to companionship. Characters such as Mildred, Montag's wife, are depicted as being deeply engrossed in shallow entertainment and disconnected from genuine human