Theme Of Oppression In Fahrenheit 451

Time travel is not only possible but has existed for thousands of years. An individual is confined to their current time period, but a reader can vividly experience life centuries ago in the pages of a book. Yet, as one travels to ancient Greece, 2000 years in the past, and lives the life of Antigone, they find similarities to life in the futuristic, dystopian world of Fahrenheit 451. Oppression, instituted by those in power, manifests itself in almost every work of literature, suggesting it is not a rare occurrence but rather a repeated part of human nature. As individuals quest for happiness despite this oppression, some fail while others succeed, making it clear a specific factor is crucial in determining the success of an endeavor for joy.

Love presents a unique opportunity to broaden one’s scope of understanding as they gain a new perspective while developing empathy and compassion. Without love, humans are inexorably rooted in their own views and incapable of understanding each other; without love, humans fail to realize their unhappiness stems from societal oppression and falsely blame themselves or the people around them. Dr. Jekyll’s hunger for societal approval compels him to repress “the ‘evil’ side of [his] nature” at the cost of his connection to colleagues, friends, and eventually himself, which he futility aims to replace through money and status (Stevenson 123). However, instead of fighting the society that pits them against each other, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde give into societal norms and develop a deep hatred for each other; resentment fuels the stubbornness that makes Dr. Jekyll “feel [he] has to choose” between his two sides instead of coexisting peacefully (Stevenson 134). Though Dr. Jekyll achieves societal approval, outside validation is meaningless if he cannot truly accept himself. Though Dr. Jekyll possesses great wealth and status, it cannot replace the need for love and social connections. His inability to love himself or those around him results in his deeply unhappy state and his eventual

Those who succeed in finding true happiness are compelled by pure love, not by a desire for outside approval, like Dr. Jekyll, or a fear of being perceived a certain way by society, like Antigone. Love engenders a fundamental shift away from superficiality in which individuals successfully ignore society and other outside influences. In Much Ado About Nothing, Benedick and Beatrice embrace their love for each other and address the systemic misogyny and societal norms restraining their relationship. As Benedick falls “horribly in love with [Beatrice],” his maturity and growth drive him to acknowledge his privilege as a male in the patriarchal society, choosing to use his privilege in a constructive way to uplift and defend Hero (Shakespeare 2.3.237). As he risks his noble status to defend a woman, Benedick displays his newfound indifference to society’s perceptions and norms. In addition, society conditions Benedick to believe that a vocal woman such as Beatrice “should [not] be loved,” but his love for Beatrice is unconditional and enduring, regardless of whether or not she conforms to society (Shakespeare 1.1.226). Benedick and Beatrice’s successful overcoming of societal oppression and influence allows them to live in harmony as they truly love