Between the Lines: Fahrenheit 451 - Essay Example

Bradbury’s famous Fahrenheit 451 is a powerful story that divulges into a dystopian world where books are considered destructive to one’s mind and their connection with reality, which comes as a result of people depending more on the mind-numbing influence of television than the uninhibited thinking that is associated with books. As such, in this new world, books are burned immediately upon discovery by a group of firefighters bestowed with that distinct task. After a warring country destroys the city, rebellious and knowledge-hungry individuals set out to remake their society based around their intelligence gleaned from the books that they have illegally hoarded. Despite being fiction, Fahrenheit 451’s message is both realistic and alarming, speaking loudly for the freedom that humans crave, a freedom that can be attained intellectually. Television is a tool that unintentionally steals away the ability for individuals to think for themselves, making this a book that people should read and take to heart. This may be a fanciful tale, but critical truths can be found hidden between the lines. The greatest strength about Fahrenheit 451, not to mention a primary reason as to why people should pick up this book, is its theme and message. This message is the importance of the connection between knowledge and freedom, especially when viewed in the context of humanity and its oppressors, which, in this case, is the powerful hold of television. Bradbury introduces this critical concept by showing what our world would look like if books, and therefore free-thinking and wisdom, were prohibited. Bradbury’s vision is a daunting, bleak world in which people have no control or say in their fate; anything that increases their levels of intelligence is forbidden, making humanity easier to control. As a result, Bradbury shows us a potential future, one that could become reality if we so easily give up our intelligence and the tools that add to that intellect. To keep ourselves free, we must keep ourselves wise and hungry for more knowledge, and not the mindless babble that comes from a television. This is a thought-provoking message that we should all strive to understand and uphold. The characters that Bradbury uses to tell his story are equally strong in their roles, bringing life to the story by having them appear realistic and relatable. Bradbury has a mixture of characters who each have their own journey to complete. As people read this book, they should be able to find a character that they can fully relate to, or else find understanding in the journey of an individual. Guy Montag, the story’s protagonist, might be relatable to most people for he is a man who feels that there is something not right with his world, an intense sort of something that leaves him uncomfortable. Instead of abiding by what he is told by those in charge, he questions their methods and authority. He does not briefly consider the fact that something is wrong and then brushes that concern under the rug, but goes out of his way to bring an end to his confusion. His journey is one that most people will discover for themselves at some point in their life. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Captain Beatty, a man who contemplates the workings of the world, yet refuses to make attempts at solving the puzzle. He is content with having someone else be in control of his life. In their own ways, these two characters set out to show the benefits and downfalls of their personalities as the man who is not content and wants to change that, and the man who is not content but would rather remain ignorant. It is through his characters that Bradbury points out humanity’s downfall: contentment. When a book has characters that readers can see eye-to-eye with, the book becomes more personal; the journeys and struggles become their own. When it comes to science fiction-esque books, the setting can be a hit-and-miss. While there are readers who enjoy a story that takes place on a world other than their own, taking them far from their reality, many readers find it easier to understand a story if the action is happening in a world that they are already familiar with. In this sense, another strong point of Fahrenheit 451 is its setting, which is our world in the future, or, based on when the book was written, might be our present. Since it is our world that is facing the changes that come with losing our ability to think freely, we become more sympathetic with the battles that the characters are fighting. Furthermore, Bradbury did not get too carried away with creating this futuristic world, but made sure that it was still recognizable to those who can only experience it through words - his readers. This futuristic world is one that we, as readers and bystanders, can image for ourselves. Though this increases our trepidation for the possibilities of the future, it also allows us to visualize this future world with ease. It is the one that we currently reside in, but in a position we never want to find ourselves. Fahrenheit 451 can reach quite a few audiences, such as those that like science fiction/dystopian tales or those that appreciate compelling ideas that really make their minds work. With the theme, characters, and setting working together, this book becomes one of the most captivating and fascinating science fiction tales due to its believable nature. This story provides a plethora of entertainment while giving the readers something to mull around in their minds even long after they have put the book down. Moreover, it can be considered a timeless tale, one that can be relevant as long as humanity holds firm to its ability to think for itself and to embrace the gift of knowledge. This is a successful book that people should read and not even just once, but time and again. It contains a message worth repeating, and the characters will remain eager to lead readers through the story each time they lose themselves in it. Works Cited Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Del Ray Books, 1991. Print. Read More