Fahrenheit 451 Character Analysis Essay

"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." According to this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, what has happened in the past and future is less significant than a person's character. One should not be defined by the events they face, but by their reaction to them.
Facing new challenges may seem to alter one's character, but it actually brings out what is truly inside. People constantly defy expectations, and they can be stronger then what others may think. In the novel Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, the main character Guy Montag is confronted by constant tribulations when he realizes the ugly truth about the dystopian society that he lives in. Instead of surrendering to those oppressing

him, Montag chose to fight back with the strength that was always inside of him. No matter what happened to him, or what was going through, he kept battling forward to achieve his goals, not allowing anything to stop him. Likewise, in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings, characters such as Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee face opposition of unbelievable proportions. In opposition of enemies such as dragons, trolls, and dark wizards, instead of giving up to return to their perfect home called the Shire, they remain steadfast in their courage and perseverance. These characters are not defined by their tribulations, but by their response to them. This shows what is inside of them, and who they truly are.
A person's inner strength is revealed when faced with adversity.

Mother Teresa was a world famous nun known for her works of charity. However, when she began her missions in India in the beginning of 1959, she had no income, and had to beg for food and supplies. In her diary, she wrote of how she was experiencing loneliness and doubt. She was tempted to give up her work in India and return to her former life. But, through her hope, perseverance, and faith, she stayed. Mother Teresa finally received assistance from the Vatican in October of 1960, and was able to help, in her own words, countless of "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those who... are shunned by everyone." A similar figure of hope and perseverance is Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was the leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. He led nationwide campaigns for civil rights and religious tolerance. Though he was repeatedly jailed for his efforts, he continued his peaceful rebellion and policies on nonviolence, and Britain gave their India independence in 1947. He inspired leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela, and movements all over the world. Mother Teresa and Gandhi both displayed immense amounts of courage and perseverance when faced with adversity, showing the strength that had on the

inside.
Some may say that it is the past that defines a person, and there is nothing that they can do to redeem themselves. Bad decisions that a person makes should not completely define their character. In the movie Hancock, Will Smith portrays a super-powered man who can do no right due to his alcoholism and terrible public image. However, with the assistance of a man he saved, he changes himself for the better and becomes the hero he always wanted to be. No one is doomed to be a bad or evil person because of their actions, but it is their character that truly defines who they are.
In conclusion, it is not a person's past or future that is significant, but what lies inside them. A person should not be defined by the events they face, but by their character: the hope, courage, and perseverance that they draw upon in response to any challenge.