“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This Malcom X quote accurately describes Montag’s goal in restoring society. The main character, Guy Montag, starts off the story as an innocent and cooperative citizen. As the story progresses, there are multiple events that transform Montag into an angry and rebellious man. Montag's development contributes to the overall themes of individualism and rebellion against unjust societal norms. An early interaction in the book between Montag and Clarisse really opens Montag up to his happiness. He begins to question himself, if he is really happy. After she questions his happiness, Montag is lost for words, and does not know how to respond. “He felt …show more content…
After her death, he feels like he owes it to her to at least try to restore society. As the story progresses, Montag’s hatred for being a firefighter increases. He believes that what he and his company are doing is wrong and cruel. "He knew that when he returned to the firehouse, he might wink at himself, a minstrel man, burnt-corked, in the mirror. Later, going to sleep, he would feel the fiery smile still gripped by his face muscles, in the dark. It never went away..." (Bradbury 2). This passage from the story shows Montag’s lack of realization of what he has done. He believes that what he is doing is right, and gains pleasure from it. Montag is proud of himself and what he has done, which is why he “might wink at himself”, almost praising himself. “Montag looked at the cards in his own hands. “I—I’ve been thinking. About the fire last week. About the man whose library we fixed. What happened to him?” “They took him screaming off to the asylum.” “He wasn’t insane.” Beatty arranged his cards quietly. “Any man’s insane who thinks he can fool the government and us" (Bradbury 33). This conversation between Montag and Captain Beatty is the first time Montag realizes what happens to people the firemen