"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them
yourself."This quote written by Andy Warhol relates to the thematic significance of the title
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, which is demonstrated as change. Fahrenheit 451 refers to the
fireman Guy Montag who is burning in his unawareness of his profession with the society. This
is exemplified through the author’s view in the quote; “The blood pounded in his head, and his
hands were the hands of some amazing conductor playing all the symphonies of blazing and
burning.” The firemen have also affected the society through proofing the complications of
literacy and life becoming immediate. However, Montag evolves from his true image of fire by
establishing a change with the help of his friends: Clarisse, Faber, and Beatty that have
influenced his life in several different aspects.
Firstly, a seventeen-year-old girl, Clarisse influences change on Montag’s characteristics
by helping him recognize the importance of accepting a new vision. This quote, “It’s just I love
to watch people too much…... Sometimes I ride the subway all day and look at them and listen to
them” proves the new vision that Montag is recognizing. Furthermore, Clarisse teaches Montag
how to express love. For instance, she expressed her love with a dandelion. This is verified by
the quote, “If it rubs off, it means I’m in love.” Also, Clarisse teaches Montag how to express his
thoughts. This quote, “Time has fallen asleep in the afternoon sunshine” proves Montag’s
expressions towards his society. In conclusion, Clarisse helps Montag realize that he does not
want to live in a society where it is forbidden to express his thoughts and accept new visions.
Also, the English professor, Faber made an influence upon Montag through teaching him
the importance of books. Faber teaches Montag the importance of books through its quality. This
is verified by the quote, “Books were where we stored a lot of things we were afraid we met
forget..The magic is only in what books say.” Furthermore, Faber encourages Guy to stand up for
his thoughts by supporting him through analyzing conversations for him, in cause he creates a
mistake. This is proven by the quote, “If you put it in your ear, Montag, I can sit comfortably
home, warming in my frightened bones and analyze the firemen’s, find it weakness, without
danger.” Also, Montag realizes that his cowardice will not let him learn the knowledge that he
is seeking from Faber, which has been affected by the firemen. This is proven by the quote,
“Faber peered out, looking very old in the light and very fragile and very much afraid.” In
conclusion, Faber helps Montag realize the importance of books and the unawareness of their
profession which is affecting the society. Finally, the fire chief, Beatty influenced a significant change upon Montag by notifying
his philosophies of books and civilization, so Beatty could mislead Montag . This is clarified when Beatty dictates random quotes that are complicated to understand. This is exemplified by the quote, “Sweet food of sweetly uttered knowledge.” Furthermore, Beatty was attempting to mislead Montag through his philosophy of their civilization. This is proven by the quote, “School is shortened, discipline relaxed, philosophies, histories, languages dropped, English and spelling gradually neglected, finally almost completely ignored….Pleasure lies all after work.” In addition, Beatty attempted to mislead Montag through contrasting the philosophy of their civilization and . This is exemplified by the quote, “They need to know the history of our profession….The world was roomy...” In conclusion, Beatty not discovering the fact that Montag changes and gains knowledge from the philosophy of their civilization, Montag is reborn….
In conclusion, firemen Guy Montag changes for the better in the novel Fahrenheit 451 by
Ray Bradbury, from the assistance of his companions: Clarisse, Faber, and Beatty. His
companions help Montag become aware of the real world through many different aspects. For
instance, recognizing the world in a new vision and approach, realizing the philosophy of their
civilization, and learning the significance of books. In addition, Guy Montag is reborn as a role-
model to the developing civilization. This is proven by the quote, “And on either side of the river
was there a tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month;
And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations”. In the final analysis, “All’s well
that is well in the end” exemplifies Guy Montag recognizing change has the way of life.
Works Cited
Unknown. “Change in Montag, Fahrenheit 451.” Writework. Gradua Networks, 1955. Web. Thursday, December 23, 2010. < http://www.writework.com/essay/changes-montag-fahrenheit-451>
Unknown. “Fahrenheit 451: Change.” Slachdoc. Inside Out Upside Down Productions, Unknown. Web. Thursday, December 23, 2010 < http://www.slashdoc.com/documents/52978>
Unknown. “Influences on Montag in Fahrenheit 451” 123help Unknown, 2000. Web. Thursday, December 23, 2010 <http://mybestessays.com/change-essay-research-paper-fahrenheit-451changewhat-is/>
Cited: Unknown. “Change in Montag, Fahrenheit 451.” Writework. Gradua Networks, 1955. Web. Thursday, December 23, 2010. < http://www.writework.com/essay/changes-montag-fahrenheit-451> Unknown. “Fahrenheit 451: Change.” Slachdoc. Inside Out Upside Down Productions, Unknown. Web. Thursday, December 23, 2010 < http://www.slashdoc.com/documents/52978> Unknown. “Influences on Montag in Fahrenheit 451” 123help Unknown, 2000. Web. Thursday, December 23, 2010 <http://mybestessays.com/change-essay-research-paper-fahrenheit-451changewhat-is/>
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