Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451

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Arguably, one of Ray Bradbury’s first works, Fahrenheit 451, portrays to the reader the negative effects of technology on society. Bradbury believed that academic prosperity was the key to success. He was born in Illinois were. Getting an Education for Ray Bradbury was difficult after high school: “After high school Ray didn’t have any money for college so he went to his local library instead. He went to the library three days a week for ten years” (Ray, Biography). Bradbury personified society’s ignorance in the world into the character Mildred. He used Clarisse McClellan as a symbol of society’s free spirits, through her actions and her crazy personality and he used Guy Montag as man’s free will.

Mildred is a character with many pragmatic characteristics. She is tired, does not know what to do, and she is blind to society. Mildred is the ideal citizen who follows the government’s rules respectfully. For example, when Guy Montag, her husband, brought out the book when her company was present. Mildred was frantic at the thought of getting caught. She stated, “Guy! Damn it all, damn it all, damn it!” (Bradbury 97). Mildred was over whelmed by her husband’s discovery and dedication to books. She soon reports his illegal activity and flees (gradsaver). Deep down inside Mildred is empty, suicidal, and she attempts to get over this by various forms of medicine (Touponce). She wanted to drown everyone out with the technology that surrounded them. In addition, for instance, she did not know what to do about her husband’s obsession for danger. “The front door opened; Mildred came down the steps running, one suitcase held with a dreamlike clenching rigidity in her first, as a beetle - taxi hissed to the curb.” (Bradbury 114). Mildred ...

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... Ballantine Book, 1950. Print.

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