The book Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury takes place in a futuristic world in which books are banned, free thought is rare, and firemen burn books. The main character, Guy Montag, reevaluates himself after he sees how curiosity can affect you. This happens when he meets Clarisse, his new neighbor. Clarisse is outgoing and got Guy to think for himself. Guy’s wife Mildred, however, lets the parlor walls think for her. By analyzing how the only people to think freely are the curious, readers can take away that those who lack curiosity are easier to control. Curiosity had a positive effect on Clarisse and her life. She consistently thought for herself and was in touch with the world around her. Unlike most around her, she went on walks, taking …show more content…
I like to smell things and look at things, and sometimes stay up all night, walking, and watching the sun rise." Bradbury 5) In this quote, we can understand she enjoys walking, acknowledging her surroundings and enjoying nature. In this book, that’s all rare, because no one is ever outside. Everyone is always inside, controlled by parlor walls and seashells. Clarisse was always observant in her conversations with Guy. “You never stop to think what I've asked you. I don't mean to be insulting. It's just, I love to watch people too much, I guess." Bradbury 6: We can see Clarisse’s curiosity leading her to observe and understand those she talks to. We see this the most with Guy. By asking this question, this allows Guy to realize that he’s been living a life lacking thought, and that he needs to change his ways. In Fahrenheit 451, parlor walls are the most common way that people get controlled. They’re interactive and mostly used to prevent social interaction. But, Clarisse avoids parlor walls and such, leaving her time to think. I rarely watch the 'parlor walls' or go to races or Fun Parks. So I've lots of time for crazy thoughts, I guess.” (Bradbury 7) In the text, we learn Clarisse doesn’t often watch the parlor walls, so she