It’s interesting to consider what a person in the 1950’s believed life might be like in the future. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury was an expectation of the future written not long after the Second World War. It describes a civilization fixed upon electronics, entertainment and selfishness. Books are not only hated, but they are also sought after and burned by “Fire Departments” created by the government. Guy Montag, a “Fireman,” is fighting to escape this boring life and convince people that books are not bad. However, the government is too powerful and without a way to restart everything, it would be impossible for Montag to change this public opinion. The development of Guy Montag as a whole contributes to the exploration of individualism …show more content…
He gained consciousness and is trying his best to escape the ordinary life that he has. Along with everything else, Montag recognizes that he is unhappy, which triggers him to have the desire to fix that and move past the ordinary government controlled life he has. For example, when Montag first meets Clarisse she asks him, "'Are you happy?' she said. Am I what I am? he cried (Bradbury and Gaiman 7-8).” He responds as if he did not hear her, though, he thinks of this question as completely ridiculous. However, not long after that he thinks to himself doubtingly, "’Happy! Of all the nonsense’(Bradbury and Gaiman 8)." This creates a mental battle in his mind, he is confused over this question that she asked. However, Montag then realizes that he is unhappy and that Clarisse had brought that to his attention. He eventually says this to himself, "He felt his smile slide away, melt, fold over and down on itself like a tallow skin, like the stuff of a fantastic candle burning too long and now collapsing and now blown