Emotional Detachment and Authoritarianism in Fahrenheit 451

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In Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451, the government of a failing dystopian country tries to control every aspect of the lives of its citizens. The people remain oblivious to the manipulation, which is shown through the thoughts and actions of those living in modern communities. Montag, a resident in one of the regulated neighborhoods, is rudely awakened to the authoritarianism in the nation as he begins to observe his surroundings. A key issue that he notices is the emotional detachment between people. Bradbury uses the personalities of characters to emphasize the negative impact in society caused by the lack of meaningful relationships. First, Mildred’s attitude toward Montag illustrates how the absence of emotional connection with others can strengthen external forces. Although married, the two are not affectionate with Clarisse has a mind of her own, meaning instead of simply accepting “facts” like her peers, she questions them. The influence of her uncle plays a large role in her unique personality that differentiates her from the rest of society. Clarisse does not doubt her uncle’s intelligence, which leads her to often refer to his information challenging the government’s goal to eliminate all substantial thoughts. Clarisse’s adoration can only be derived from a deep relationship, which, consequently, is also the cause of her large range of knowledge. Similarly, Clarisse initiates the spread of new ideas in Montag, who realizes too late that he and Clarisse had formed a special bond during their short time together—friendship. After Clarisse’s death, Montag is left with the best gift a relationship can offer: a new perspective, attained by the new knowledge. With this gift, Montag embarks on a mission to save his society that seems to be heading toward inevitable

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