Motif Of Self-Destruction In 'Fahrenheit 451'

203 Words1 Pages
Though also of violence, the motif of self-destruction highlights the internal conflicts made from involuntary, excessive conformity. Mildred, Montag's wife, introduces this motif early on, as she unexpectedly overdoses on sleeping pills. The operator sent to aid her nonchalantly confirms that these overdose cases occur as often as "nine or ten a night," reaffirming that suicidal tendencies are common (13). These inclinations validate the notion that enforced capitulation induces dissatisfaction, and pinpoint a manner of cataclysm, through self-murder. Another instance that demonstrates the motif is during a fire "spectacle," where people gather to spectate firemen burning books. However, the book-owner refuses to abandon her house, then proceeds