Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Fahrenheit 451: Guy Montag


                In Fahrenheit 451, the main character is Guy Montag. Guy is a fireman; only in this case the firemen burn books and starts fires rather than put them out. Guy starts out the novel as a normal man, going to work and coming home to his wife, until he meets Clarisse. Clarisse changes his world. She made him start to think about what his life was really about, and what he really believed in (Bradbury 3-10).  After thinking through his life and going to work he realizes he must make a change. He was not happy and he had just realized.  I think a lot of people can relate and benefit from Guy’s story and journey. Some people are not happy with the person they are or have to become. We have to be honest with ourselves and it starts with reflecting within and fixing what you do not like. I think that this is another lesson that Bradbury unintentionally added to the novel. One characteristic that Guy mostly shows is bravery. Some may think he was foolish for ruining by leaving his job, his wife, and his home (Bradbury). Personally I find him brave for being true to himself and doing what he thinks is right and standing up for it. Guy also has a bit of a crazy characteristic also. A normal person does not burn their boss alive (Bradbury 119)! He seems a little crazy because he is overrun by emotions and hatred for Beatty. He does not understand why someone would ban books if they were so interesting and full of information that can be so useful. He might have gone a little crazy, but overall he was just extremely passionate about doing what he thought was right and never backing down. I think we can all admire someone for doing that. It takes strength and courage to stand up for yourself, even when others tell you no.




 Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1967. Print.

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