Guy Montag Character Analysis

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In the novel Fahrenheit 451 author Ray Bradbury utilises the character Guy Montag to explore the archetype of an anti-hero and to do express his concern for America’s future. Guy Montag perfectly fits the description of an antihero. Anti-heroes are known for conforming to society at first, and then finding something that causes them to question how society is run. In the beginning of the novel, Guy Montag seems happy with himself and his job of burning books for a living. When he meets a mysterious neighbor named Clarisse, his views on society drastically change. Clarisse asks Guy a simple question, “Are you happy?” (Bradbury 10). At first Guy thinks he is obviously happy. Why wouldn’t he? But then he begins thinking and once returning home …show more content…

This realization comes as a shock to him, and Guy begins thinking more and more. He notices other people who aren’t happy such as his Wife Mildred who overdosed on sleeping pills. Even though she says she is happy, Guy knows the truth that it is only society tricking people to believe that. People don’t overdose if they are happy. Anti-heros are also not reliable characters. Guy Montag is a very unreliable character. He is very compulsive and is always changing his opinion. After meeting with Faber, and old English professor, he is talking to his wife and her friends and tries to show them how unhappy they really are. Faber and Guy had already set up a plan, and when meeting with the women, Guy jeopardizes the plan. Faber scorns Guy’s outburst saying, “Montag, Montag, please in the name of God, what’re you up to?” (Bradbury 98) Guy is very caught up in showing everyone how society is evil, but he does not know the right way to do it. He is very bad at following directions and orders, and often does the complete opposite of what is directed. His unreliability is a sign of weakness and is one reason why he is considered an anti-hero rather than a

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