In the dystopian novel, Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, the protagonist is a 30 year old fireman named Guy Montag. Instead of putting out fires like firefighters today, Montag’s task is to burn books, which are illegal in this society of the future. The introduction of the story portrays the idea that Guy takes great pride in his work. This attitude is evident when Guy meets his young neighbor Clarisse McClellan on his way home from the firehouse. On page six, Montag remarks, “It’s fine work. Monday burn Millay, Wednesday Whitman, Friday Faulkner, burn ‘em to ashes, then burn the ashes. That’s our official slogan,” (Bradbury, 1953). This points out to the reader very early on in the story that Montag loves being a fireman. He must enjoy his …show more content…
“‘Good night!’ She started up her walk. Then she seemed to remember something and came back to look at him with wonder and curiosity. ‘Are you happy?’ she said,” (page 7, Bradbury, 1953). In effect, Montag returns home, stuck in his newly-formed thoughts. Was he really happy? Was he content with his life and his work? Instantaneously after he dismisses these thoughts, he finds a passed out Mildred who had taken too many sleeping pills, and his mid-life crisis is quickly forgotten. However, these thoughts aren’t permanently absent, for the next fire alarm he answers about fifteen pages later changes his life forever. While piling books together and starting a fire, Montag and his fellow fireman discover an old woman who refuses to leave the book-ridden house. Montag has no choice but to burn the old lady with her books. This death effects Guy more than it ever had before because of how Clarisse opened his mind about books and thinking in general, which leads to Montag collapsing into his bed at home in tears. Before meeting Clarisse, Montag would’ve killed the woman without another thought and returned home smiling, enjoying how bright and colorful the flames