Montag As A True Hero In Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

Any hero, big or small, takes a risk when he tries to save or better a country, society, group or person. Contrary to the comic book image, true heroes have flaws, but they act with a saving purpose in mind. The true heroes often go unnoticed, acting out of the goodness of their heart, not in the hope of popular acclaim. In Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury, the protagonist Montag lives in a society ignorant of its looming tragedy. Montag is a true hero, for recognizing the bleak prospects of his society, and attempting to change it for the better. In the world of Fahrenheit 451, being unique is a flaw, and seeking answers is fatal, making Montag’s intention to speak up all the more heroic. After examining his stressful lifestyle,

Feeling despondent, Montag looks to his new friend Faber for encouragement and he finds it, after saying, “‘I don’t know. I feel guilty---’ ‘No you mustn’t! (Faber replies) If there were no war, if there was peace in the world, I’d say fine, have fun! But, Montag, you mustn’t go back to being just a fireman. All isn’t well with the world’” (Bradbury 100). In Greek mythology, the fatal flaw of every potential hero was hubris, or excessive pride, which disabled his judgement and lead to their downfall, but Montag had no such pride, for he risked his personal safety to seek advice from a man he deemed wiser than himself. This humble choice, showed Montag to be that rare kind of hero, for by seeking Faber’s counsel , he acknowledges that he can’t accomplish his goal alone, and sets aside his pride for the greater good of society . When the fire chief finds Montag’s two-way earpiece to communicate with Faber, he says, “‘We’ll trace this and drop in on your friend’ ‘No’, said Montag” (Bradbury 112). Following up on Faber’s advice, Montag refused to become a bystander, for his belief had been reinforced, which allowed him to stand up to the Fire-chief, and protect his friend who was preserving the wisdom of books. Montag’s simple response “No”, clearly describes his decisiveness and the inner sense of responsibility he has for Faber, who has guided him during the preceding months. Montag succeeds in resisting the fire-chief, and joins a hidden group of scholars, who advise, “‘Walk carefully. Guard your health. If anything should ever happen to Harris, you are the Book Ecclesiastes. See how important you’ve become in the last minute” (Bradbury 144). Montag’s transformation throughout the course of