Individuality In Fahrenheit 451

The novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury highlights the importance of individuality and genuine human connections in achieving true happiness, while warning against the dangers of a conformist society that suppresses free thought and emotional expression. Through the characters of Clarisse and Montag, Bradbury demonstrates that happiness cannot be achieved through material possessions or mindless entertainment, but rather through the pursuit of knowledge, personal growth, and meaningful relationships.

One of the two main reasons why people in Fahrenheit 451 are not happy is that they are too deprived of the opportunity to think for themselves and to pursue interests. Instead, they are bombarded with mindless entertainment, and any protesting

You should listen. I think they’re married. Yes, they’re married. Why?’” (page 46). Although Mildred spends all her time in front of the parlor walls she is unable to answer the most basic questions about the show. She is completely disinterested in anything that makes her think critically. This is further highlighted when Montag asks her about the particular show they are watching, and she is unable to provide any meaningful information beyond the fact that the people on the screen are fighting. “‘Jesus God,’ said Montag. ‘Every hour so many damn things in the sky!’ How in hell did those bombers get up there every single second of our lives! Why doesn’t someone want to talk about it!’ We’ve started and won two atomic wars since 1990!’......The telephone rang. Mildred snatched the phone. ‘Ann!’ She laughed. ‘Yes, the White clown’s on tonight!’” (page 74). Furthermore, Mildred's obsession with the parlor walls and the mindless entertainment they provide has robbed her of the ability to think critically about the world around her. She has become so engrossed in the constant barrage of distraction that she is unable to have interest in the

Rather, they have superficial conversations that lack depth and sincerity. Mildred’s friend, Mrs. Phelps showcases this. “‘Anyway, Pete and I always said, no tears, nothing like that. It’s our third marriage each and we’re independent. Be independent, we always said. He said, if I get killed off, you just go right ahead and don’t cry, but get married again, and don’t think of me.’” (page 95). Mrs. Phelps’ comments about her marriages and lack of emotional attachment to her husbands demonstrates Bradbury’s critiques about the superficiality of relationships and conversations. Instead of valuing love and companionship, people like Mrs. Phelps marry for convenience and personal gain. Her surface level conversations with her husband leaves her unfulfilled and careless if her husband were to die. Her marriage for convenience leaves her happiness feeling unfulfilled. Another example of this is Mildred’s relationship with Montag. “‘Mildred!’ She ran past with her body stiff, her face floured with powder, her mouth gone, without lipstick. ‘Mildred, you didn’t put in the alarm!’ She shoved the valise in the waiting beetle, climbed in, and sat mumbling, ‘Poor family, poor family, oh everything gone, everything, everything gone now…’” (page 114). This interaction between Montag and Mildred indicates the hollowness of their relationship, as Montag