Fahrenheit 451

Bradbury proves that possession of knowledgeable is more important than an obsession with attaining happiness using the themes of wisdom, identity, dissatisfaction and the character Faber’s philosophy.

Throughout this novel the reader is presented with the notion that knowledge and wisdom are achieved using one’s experiences, studying theory and Critical thinking. Critical thinking serves to challenge ideas presented instead of accepting them as automatically correct, this is also the most essential of the three attributes mentioned above. Montag and Clairesse both had mentors to introduce critical thinking into their lives and pass information onto them. The theme of Knowledge and Wisdom are relevant because in Fahrenheit 451, books are fundamental to knowledge and wisdom comes from reflection of personal experiences and not from physical books and teachings. Faber is introduced into the novel as a former professor and he breaks the law by engaging literature and housing books. When Montag meets Faber to discuss the next steps to keep a personal book coleccetion safe, Faber states that he does not find entertianment in phatic communication. Montag realizes that Faber is trustworthy after he says this: "I don't talk things, sir," said Faber. "I talk the meaning of things. I sit here and know I'm alive. (2.36)”

In the society presented by Ray Bradbury, the average person is superficial and exclusivly engages with their peers by means of mind numbing topics and statements that are not at all challenging. The intellectual and opinionated person are seen as rebellious and radical. Bradbury uses Faber’s analitical skills and deep thoughts to scruitinize the current society we live in, and he also likes to think about the “why” and no...

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... ability to have human emotions and reasonig is a weapon that the government cannot outlaw. These human traits were recognized by the government and the people in this society have been repressed as a result of these innate charateristics. The government in 24th century America was successful in entertaining the populous to a point where these people can ignore the emotions that present themeslves when exposed to literature. Mrs. Bowles is annoyed by the difficult art, so in protest she echos the governmental viewpoint of: books and poetry alike make people bothered for no purpose. This is the effective government censorship tactic that leaves the subject ill informed and thus, not in a suitable position to rebel against disagreeable events. Mildred and her friends are necessary to apply the author’s theme of: non-self improvement is detremental in Fahrenheit 451.