Tyson Scott
Mrs. Stone
American Lit
21 March 2023
Guy Montag Character Analysis In Ray Bradbury's novel, Fahrenheit 451, Guy Montag, the main character undergoes a transformation from a trusted fireman who worked for the government burning books to becoming exactly what he is meant to destroy. The novel is set in the future about a society where books are banned and people no longer think for themselves, but only consume information. Throughout the novel Montag slowly recognizes the importance of critical thinking over consuming, knowledge from books, and human connections.
Montag starts his journey learning how human connections can affect his life, when he meets his neighbor Clarisse, she is what leads him to question everything. He is enlightened by her unconventional thinking and willingness to question almost anything. Montag wants to become like Clarisse, as she fuels his desire for intellectual freedom. As Montag recalls on his time with Clarisse he realizes to not conform to normal societal roles he must start questioning the world around him. Montags friendship with
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Montags first awakening to realizing how influential books can be is when he is burning a house and the woman inside stays with the books while the house is being burnt. This peaks Montag's curiosity making him wonder why someone would ever do that. "There must be something in books, things we can't imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don't stay for nothing" (Bradbury 48). This is where Montag begins to realize that books can hold significance and knowledge, as well as inspiring people to act on their beliefs. The lady in the burning house was willing to burn with her books, showing Montag that there is value in