Content Society What exactly constitutes an ideal society in which everyone is content? Maslow's hierarchy states that for society to be content, it must meet its physiological, security, social, esteem, and self-actualisation needs. However, Ray Bradbury's dystopian 1953 novel Fahrenheit 451 fails to meet the requirements of its citizens, and the protagonist, Montag, a firefighter employed to burn down houses containing books because they were deemed controversial and caused misery, realises he is still miserable. Undoubtedly, what caused unhappiness was a lack of fulfilmentt of physical, social, and self-actualisation needs. Firstly, the fundamental well-being and physiological needs appear satisfactory in Fahrenheit 451 since there were no references to grief or concern for food or clothes in the earlier chapters. However, physical needs are not fully addressed, as Mildred overdosed on sleeping pills (13), indicating her difficulty sleeping and need for survival as she had no therapist, doctor, or friend to support her. Another example is when Montag is forced to burn down his home in Part 3, resulting in temporary homelessness. Furthermore, the book mentions homeless professors who …show more content…
Even though Mildred and Montag have been married for ten years, after she overdoses, Montag confesses that "he was certain he wouldn't cry '' (44) even if she died. Demonstrating the absence of social connection among the civilians, as even Mrs Bowles treated her children with little concern and considered them nuisances (93). Additionally, when Montag asks Mildred how and when they met, Mildred answers that she can't remember and that it doesn't matter since she needs to focus on her parlour (9). Similarly, many citizens relied on technologies such as parlour walls for entertainment and enjoyment rather than bonding with one