Change In Fahrenheit 451, Pleasantville, And The Giver

Nature is constantly changing. Seasons change, leaves change color, things freeze for winter, but naturally, new life begins. While all around things are changing, humans seem to resist this natural process. Sometimes one is stuck in what can seem like an endless winter because he or she is too afraid to push forward and change what has been told and assumed to be right. Change is viewed as difficult, painful, and even dangerous. Without danger, life can be comfortable and familiar. Familiarity represents safety, something humans value greatly. If one can see a great need for change, they are willing to risk danger, and step out of their comfort zone to make that change. Whether a small or large change, the importance of change can be very great. In Fahrenheit 451, Pleasantville, and The Giver, the protagonists gain new perspective on their societies, leading them to see injustice. Jonas in The Giver finds it difficult to accept the truth about his society after he experiences the ways of society during its long past. He is frustrated that everyone is told only pieces of the truth, and from this he realizes his society must change, even if it is painful or unsafe. Montag from Fahrenheit 451 experiences a similar frustration when he reads books for the first time and meets Faber who gives him hope for the future. His realization of the society’s injustice allows him to overcome his resistance to change, and adapt the society in anyway he can. The society in Pleasantville learns of dangers such as fire, storms, and disagreement, as well as true love, reading, and color. They realize that they must change to experience the good things life has to offer like love, reading, and colors, even if it puts them in danger or makes them feel...

... middle of paper ...

...nt’s overpowering enforcement of conformity and their attempt to control the knowledge people have, while others understand the need for change but resist it. Change is difficult and uncomfortable. Those who have the knowledge to see injustice, and are able to step out of their comfort zone, ultimately attempting change that can benefit the society at large. When one considers that change is difficult, it is often easy to think that without wisdom one would not have to change. The happiness experienced from ignorance creates a simpler, easier way to live that does not involve irritating and painful change. Often it can be hard to pick between ignorance and knowledge. One must decide if they would be better thinking life is good, completely blinded from the truth, or if life would be better if they had the knowledge to face change, even if changing may be difficult.