Fahrenheit 451 question #3

The book "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury addresses many universal themes. A few of these would be literature, technology, and individuality. The first one is literature. In this book, literature is illegal and the fireman's jobs are actually to burn books. This is what the main character Guy Montag's job is. The reason the government does not want the people reading is because they really do not want them thinking for themselves and books can make them ask questions. If they are not thinking and reading, they have more time to do what the government wants them to do, like listen to their shell radios or be in the parlor with the "family". Literature and the knowledge learned from it though is so valuable and can keep history from repeating itself. Another theme addressed is technology. Technology is kind of what the government uses to replace the literature and control the people. Types of technology they use are the parlor walls and the seashell radios. This basically just keeps them distracted and gives them less time to think. Thinking less and doing pointless things though can eventually lead to depression. An example of this would be Mildred who becomes suicidal and overdoses on sleeping pills. One last theme addressed is individuality. Individuality is something the government does not want existing. People who are different are looked down upon in this society. The reason the government does not want individuality is because it is risky and not as easy to control. The people in this society do not have freedom of speech because the government speaks for them. They are afraid to think and read for themselves because of the severe consequences. Some people who have gone against this and are their own individuals would be Clarisse, Montag, and Faber. Because of this decision, they are either dead, on the run, or in hiding. They have definitely had to suffer the consequences ,but in their eyes it is worth it. I think Bradbury understands the human nature to want to be your own person. It can be tough though because you want acceptance as well. This applies to the book and also real life. The people in the book are not accepted at all and are threatened with their lives. In real life you want to be accepted for who you are just the same.

Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Del Rey Book, 1991. Print.