Fahrenheit 451 Dialectical Journal

What does this passage make you think of or remember?

Personally, this passage reminds me a lot of Farenheit 451. I see notable parallels between the conditions of Willy Loman and Guy Montag. In the chapters leading up to the revelation of all the secret books he had been keeping and his eventual departure from home and his wife in Farenheit 451, Guy Montag can be shown growing increasingly displeased with his current situation. He becomes discontented in a way his wife does not understand. Willy’s agitation with Linda and his current state of affairs reminded me very much of Montag’s agitation with a life full of nothing but distractions. Willy’s frustration stems from feelings of not being good enough, never being good enough, and slowly

It stems from constantly feeling like he is in the shadows of his father and brother. Montag’s frustration stems from his questioning of the purpose of what he is doing. It stems from constantly feeling like he is too in the shadows, but not the shadows of someone greater, but the shadows of understanding. He is completely left out of the loop of his own world because of what society has become. There is a notable difference however in regards to the men’s wives. While Linda shows notable concern over Willy’s condition, Montag’s wife, Mildred, shows minimal concern or care over neither her nor her husband’s conditions. While Linda suggests Willy takes some time off from work, Mildred fails to believe Montag when he claims to be ill. Another connection between the two comes later. Both agitated men are revealed to be hiding secrets at later points in the story. Later in the act, it is revealed by Linda that Willy, most likely due to his dissatisfaction with life and his current state of affairs, has been attempting to kill himself in the car. Similarly it is revealed that not only has Montag been questioning why books are not

My next thoughts tied back to Linda. Her concern for Willy is extremely evident in this passage. She does her best to try and comfort him and make sure he’s okay, while also making sure not to agitate him or push him away in the process. Her preciseness and carefulness regarding how she speaks with him, and how often she remain on certain topics reveal deeper insight into her concern. There’s obviously some reason why Linda is tip-toeing through this conversation. Personally I tip-toe through conversations if I’m either uncertain how the person will react or know that they are on edge. Although it is not revealed until the latter half of Act 1, it is eventually shown how on edge Willy really is, and why Linda is so concerned. As I read on further in the book, I thought back to this section again. From pages 38 to 39 an affair between Willy and another woman is revealed. After reading about that, one cannot help but think back to Linda’s care and concern in this opening scene of the book. It is clear that Willy has put her through and continues to put Linda through quite a deal, yet she consistently fights to care for him and ensure his safety. She treats him with such compassion, that him having an affair makes Willy a deal