Imagine a society where the firemen start fires instead of putting them out. This society is what confronts the reader of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. The novel’s main character, Guy Montag, is a third generation fireman and has been working for ten years. He enjoys his work of burning illegally owned books and the homes in which that are kept until he develops a friendship with Clarisse McClellan. Clarisse, a seventeen year old neighbor is different from most people that Montag knows. She expresses interest in people and wants to talk with people. Montag’s wife, Millie, is like the rest of society, and she immerses herself in interactive television and radio. Montag’s unhappiness grows when his firehouse responds to an alarm to burn on older woman’s books. After the firemen soak her books and the house with kerosene, she refuses to leave. The woman ignites the kerosene with a match, consuming herself and her books in the fire. The reader learns that Montag has stolen one of the woman’s books and has been stealing books from different fires for some time. He wonders what is in these books to drive people, like the older women, to sacrifice themselves for their books. After staying home from work the next day, Montag receives a visit from the captain of his firehouse. Captain Beatty lectures Montag about society and how books fell out of favor. Beatty suspects that Montag has a book and tells Montag that a fireman must destroy any book he has within twenty-four hours. Montag decides to learn more about books and shows Mille the books he has collected. Montag then seeks out Faber, a professor he met in a park several years ago. Despite his initial mistrust, Faber decides to help Montag and gives Montag a small two-way radio so they can keep in contact. After engaging Mille and her friends in a discussion about the coming war and reading to them from a book of poetry, Montag returns to work. The firehouse responds to another alarm and Montag is surprised when they stop at his house. Millie has turned in the alarm. After Beatty directs Montag to burn every room, he discovers the two-way radio and threatens Montag and his “friend”. Montag burns Beatty and flees to Faber’s house. Montag is chased by the Mechanical Hound and his escape is televised live as entertainment to the city’s residents. Montag successfully eludes the Mechanical Hound and joins a group of intellectual “hobos” living outside the city. He learns that this group is keeping books alive by memorizing them. The book concludes when the city is destroyed by an atomic bomb and the hobos pledge to rebuild a new society where books are cherished.
Overall, I found this book to be very exciting to read. I thought the part of the book where Beatty lectures Montag on how books fell out of favor to be especially interesting. Beatty describes the rise of radio and television and they could appeal to the masses while books could appeal only to a few. Man now has less time to think and contemplate things because the mass media increases the overall speed of life. Beatty also describes how books can offend minorities in society beyond racial groups such as dog-lovers, cat-lovers, lawyers, and merchants. This idea reminds me of newspaper stories I have read in recent years about threats to ban certain books by one group or another. The solution to this problem in Fahrenheit 451 is to burn the book. Beatty says, “Colored people don’t like Little Black Sambo. Burn it. White people don’t feel good about Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Burn it.” Because houses are now fireproof, it is natural that the firemen become custodians of society’s peace of mind and society’s “official censors, judges, and executors.”
The role of technology in the novel is also very interesting. Originally published in 1953, the book features items that are similar to what is found today. The wall-sized televisions remind me of the large, flat-panel televisions for sale now. The novel also features seashell radios that remind me of iPods and other MP3 players. The lack of conversation between people in the novel is similar to how conversation has changed in today’s society through text messaging and instant messaging on computers. I think the book provides an important warning for people today to slow down and enjoy the interaction with each other.
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Fahrenheit 451 sounds like a very interesting book. I hope to read it in the near future. I am myself a book fanatic and can’t imagine the world without books. If someone took my books away then I would certainly try to horde and keep secret as many books as possible. The warnings that this book told you Gregory are also very interesting such as the warning to slow down and enjoy the interaction with each other. Thank you, Gregory, for such an interesting book review. Without you, this book would have remained a mystery to me. Now I have the recommendation form you to read it.
ReplyDeleteI read this book a year ago and I was shocked and deeply disturbed to enter into a world sans books. It was beyond my comprehension and for that I disliked it—at least at first. As I began to read more and more I realized that my my dislike was completely uncalled for. This book was a must read for the message it contained on censorship and its predictions of the future. It is creepy in a sense to know that lot of the things Bradbury predicted are true today. If some things are already true how much more time will it take for everything from this book to be true. A few years?
ReplyDeleteI think Gregory is right to say this book is a warning for people,telling them to slow down their hectic lives and actually talk to people. It’s a warning we must all take to heart. So get out and talk to someone or read a book—maybe even abook to use for this blog.
I read Fahrenheit 451 last year and I thought it was very good. I really enjoyed the novel because of the way it related to today’s society. I thought it was fascinating how Ray Bradbury wrote the book a long time ago but his ideas for the future are very similar to what is happening right now. People are beginning to care less and less about relationships and learning and more about watching television all the time. I thought this was eerily similar to how people are becoming today. I also thought it was very interesting how all of the technology Ray Bradbury put in his novel is a lot like the new technology we have today, such as iPods and flat screen TVs. Not only did I like that aspect of Fahrenheit 451, I also enjoyed the incredible story. The novel was action packed and I really loved how Guy Montag decided to do what was right for himself. Overall I definitely loved Fahrenheit 451 and I would highly recommend it to other people.
ReplyDeleteI read Fahrenheit 451 and found it very interesting. While reading this book all Ray Bradbury’s predictions about society both scared and intrigued me. Some examples of this includes firemen that start fires, televisions the size of walls, the speed at which people drove their cars, and the suction used on Montag’s wife when she overdosed. I really enjoyed reading the conversations with Montag and Clarisse and was upset when they were abruptly ended. I too agree with Gregory in that this novel is a warning for society and an example of what would happen if books were no longer a part of society.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading Fahrenheit 451 in 9th grade. The novel sticks out to me mostly because it was one of the few books we read freshman year that held any interest for me. I hadn’t really considered the similarities between the novel and our modern society, but it is true that many of the aspects of the novel’s society that divide individuals are appearing now. However, I also think that technology can unite people who normally could not communicate through cell phones and the Internet, as well as through elements of our culture that relies heavily on technology. As you mentioned, this book frequently pops into my head when I walk through Best Buy and see flat screen TVs.
ReplyDeleteI read the book Fahrenheit 451 last year and thought it was strangely close to the type of society that is just around the corner. I thought it was interesting that Ray Bradbury wrote this book in the 1950s, but the book contains similar technology that is residing in our communities today. Books are a major part in communities flourishing, and this is seen when the community, in Fahrenheit 451, is completely destroyed, at the end of the novel, because of the scarcity of books. I would not know what to do if books were illegal because reading enables me to relax and become engulfed within a story. I feel that anyone that believes in reading and the interaction between people should read this book and learn more about what might happen in a society without books.
ReplyDeleteOne piece from this novel that stuck with me is when Clarisse said that the people at the train station talk about nothing. She tells Montag that the conversations she hears are disheartening because the only thing people can say to one another are comments on the latest cars, movies, entertainment, and violence. I find this to be so similar to our society today. If you just sit and listen to people talk, you’ll see that many conversations are not edifying or uplifting in the least. I think this may come from the violence in the media that so many of us are subject to from day to day, like that which the novel’s characters seem to enjoy. However, these cheap conversations are mainly a result of our quick paced lives. Everyone wants to obtain their needs as fast as they can, and few people take time to look at the beauty of this life that we are blessed with or to love the people around them. If we all slowed down our talk and our actions, maybe we could spend more time relationally and our conversations would be REAL. For this reason, I love the hobos at the end. Maybe I have it backwards, but don’t these characters take each day as it is and enjoy the beauty, the wisdom, and the freeness that each day brings?
ReplyDeleteI read this book last year and it was so weird. All together it was ok, but very confusing. I defiantly would not read it again. When I found out that we would have to read this book for our English class I knew it would be very boring. Once I started reading it, I was right.. the most boring book ever. Thought it can teach readers a lesson on our society, I don’t really agree with it. Bradbury tries to teach that our society will just be caught up in technology but I don’t believe that will ever happen. I would recommend this book if you like Science- Fiction.
ReplyDeleteFarenheit 451 has become one of my favorite books ever since I read it last year. Even though Ray Bradbury is describing a futuristic society, it is scary to realize that today’s society is not far away from the same condition. Technology is practically controlling the citizens in the novel, which is a terrifying idea. It’s scary to think that our society is close to being taken over by technology too. I really liked how Bradbury shows how extremely “addicted” to technology the people in the novel are, but then you start to realize that people in your everyday life are almost the same way. I think the novel has a very good lesson of how technology needs to be controlled, or else knowledge and learning will completely fade away.
ReplyDeleteThis entire review of Fahrenheit 451 seems to be completely correct. The summary is very accurate and detailed. Those that have not read this book can easily find the main ideas in this evaluation. I read this book last year and agree that it warns society about what will happen without reading. People will stop communicating and immerse themselves in individual entertainment. Gregory definitely made a great choice in which book to read. I full heartedly recommend this book to readers of all ages, as I think everyone needs to understand the danger that the future could hold. Fahrenheit 451 was both an informational and entertaining novel.
ReplyDeleteThe plot of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury interests me because I believe that there are people who seek control over others at all cost, like the firemen in this story for “the greater good”. I also believe that mankind can be easily brainwashed. Therefore, if there is a man with the ability to realize that what is going on is wrong and unfair, he shouldn’t conform to society. Instead, he should stand up and do something about the problem; it is his obligation to do so. Today, like you mentioned in your post, mankind is starting to be brainwashed by technology (I mean, even in school we are being forced to use the computer) and I also hope that mankind listens to the warning given to him in this book.
ReplyDeleteI read Fahrenheit 451 last year in English class. I did not care for the book while we were reading it in class because all of the work we had to do along with reading. After all the assignments were done, I started thinking about Fahrenheit 451 and how our society is very similar to the society in the novel. It is a very scary thought that our society today would be like the society in the novel, materialistic and mesmerized by technology. It is very interesting that Ray Bradbury wrote this book in the 1950s and the book has technology that is similar to technology we have today. For example the flat screen TVs and the seashell radios. I did end up enjoying this book and I would recommend this book to anyone.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I ever read this book it was weird to think there could be a society without books. The idea at first made the book a little confusing to me. However the message of this novel becomes clear in saying that people should not be censored in thoughts or words and one should think freely no matter what society may think. This book also may forecast what is happening to society today, we are becoming increasingly enamored with technology and reading seems like its becoming obsolete. I did enjoy reading this book because of the message it gives about becoming so caught up in technology.
ReplyDeleteI read Fahrenheit 451 last year as a freshman. I found it to be a very interesting book. I too agree that technology has changed life so much. And I do not think that all technological advances are for the better. For example, the seashell radios in Bradbury’s novel are similar to our Ipods. These devices sometimes tend to prevent talking between family and friends. If you are in a car ride you find the children have there Ipods in and are oblivious of all conversation going on. Instead, in the past car rides used to be times for families to bond and talk. Also, I think that this community in Bradbury’s novel is a futuristic civilization. I fear that our society will soon be this way. I think that in a few years books and other objects of freedom will be banned and man will no longer think for themselves anymore. I think that Bradbury does a very good job in showing that this is not the type of community that one wants and that we do not want to loose our freedoms and friendships. I also think that Fahrenheit 451 is a very interesting novel about a futuristic civilization.
ReplyDeleteI read this book a year ago and I remember how mad it made me feel that they were burning classics and even Bibles. I think it was clever of Montag to hide his books behind the vent. What I never understood was how Bradbury says the houses are fireproof and the firemen are able to burn the houses to the ground. Bradbury’s warning of people slowing down in technological advancement is hard to disagree to. People are becoming extremely materialistic; then again, I’ve had my fair share of that quality. I certainly hope the future isn’t how it’s depicted in this novel.
ReplyDeleteI have, also, read this book and agree with everything in this post. It is an extremely interesting story. This book takes you out of today’s society and puts you into a futuristic, fictional society where you can use your imagination. Fahrenheit 451 can make a person appreciate having the right to read and not being punished for it. I think this novel shows to stand up for what you believe in, just as how Montag hid books and broke the law in order to educate himself.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a good book to read. It seems ironic that their technology is so close to what we use today. It's scary how close we have come to that, with people even claiming we are addicted to things like the computer and television. It also seems to show how lucky we are compared to some people in the world who are unable to read, or are just not allowed. It's odd that someone in 1953 could predict (even fictionally) technology we have come so close to. I would really like to read this book in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this review. I read Farhenheit 451 last year and found it very interesting to see that even though Ray Bradbury lived in the past his ideas for the future are not unlike what is happening now. Most peoples’ lives now are ruled by technology like Bradbury describes in this novel. This book makes people appreciate the rights that we take for granted, like the right to read and think for ourselves. I would recommend this book to anyone because it really makes you think about your priorities in life.
ReplyDeleteI also read “Fahrenheit 451” in my English class last year and agree on it being a very good book with a lot of really good ideas and points. . I really enjoyed Ray Bradbury’s prediction of the future, and I find it to have a lot of similarities with our current society. The novel predicted a future full of materialism and need for possessions, and slowly that’s the way our society is turning. The summary of the book was very accurate and covered some of the important details of the story. I too would recommend this book to anyone.
ReplyDeleteI read "Fahrenheit 451" in my English class last year too. Surprisingly, it wasn't half bad at all and I really enjoyed it. It makes you stop to think about all the liberties we really do have in life and how we take education and knowledge for granted. It's suprising how strong of emotions it brings out about the right to read and know things. It also serves as a precursor to the future and what our world could become if we ourselves are not careful. I would recommend this book.
ReplyDeleteI also read Fahrenheit 451, though sometime ago. My brother was the one who recommended it to me, so I believed the book would turn out to be terrible. However, I thought the book turned out very well. Bradbury’s description of the way the future could be is shocking, yet doesn’t seem to be far off the direction out own society is turning. The last paragraph of the review seems to be the most interesting, because of how easily Bradbury predicted the future world. This was a good book that sent a message about technology and the future, and I enjoyed it fully.
ReplyDeleteFahrenheit 451 is my favourite book that I have read in school because it was so interesting and different from other books I have read. I admire Guy, as well as the other outcasts, for recognizing how corrupt their society was; little communication, emphasis on entertainment, and suppression of knowledge made up life for the population. My teacher pointed out that the morals in their society are very close to what could happen in ours. I learned that knowledge is the most important thing a person has and can shield them from being oblivious to an unscrupulous society from this book.
ReplyDeleteI read a story once where a futuristic society existed where people had completely isolated themselves with technology. They had no contact with other people, just with their service robots and through the media that came into their homes through TV and computer. Fahrenheit 451 warns us about lots of things, including losing our personal relationships to technology. When we lose our personal relationships, how can we value the lives of other people? And when we stop valuing other people, how long would it be before we pass laws which abuse them, the way that the society in this book does by burning their homes and their possessions without a trial?
ReplyDeleteI read Fahrenheit 451 last year in Mrs. Ramey’s class and I thought it was very interesting. The entire idea of books being illegal is pretty crazy, but Ray Bradbury uses that to show what society would be like without the pursuit of truth and knowledge. This novel is almost satirical in a way because many parts of society today don’t value knowledge and learning. In The book, people just sat around watching TV all day. That seems crazy but people actually do that sometimes. This book encourages the reader to take a good look at his/her own society. I would definitely recommend this book.
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