I think one place to start when considering these theme
ideas, is to look at the way characters turn on each other at the end of the
book.
Mildred turns on her husband in the name of the law,
but does so out of fear and ignorance. Beatty turns on his co-worker and friend in the
name of justice, but he is neather fearful nor ignorant. Montag turns on (and kills) a
once mentor and guide in the name of protection and enlightenment. The prohibition of
free thinking in this dystopic society create an immediate
comparison to our world of democracy, knowledge, and
growth.
Mildred embodies the effects of mass media
(especially in large doses) by losing her own identity first, and giving up what
our society considers a very important relationship. Ironically,
Beatty embodies the responsibilities of being a citizen in his own society (as he works
tirelessly at a job he believes is moral), presenting a clear contrast to the rights and
responsibilites our society often takes for granted by abuse or
neglect. Finally, Montag, the character who seeks most to break out of his societal
mold, is also the most lonely and alienated. Ironically, he feels this way both before
and after his own conversion to the enlightened side of
humanity.
Keeping these ideas in mind, I think you will
have an easy time finding proof in the form of quotes by looking for characterization
of Montag, Beatty, and Mildred.
No comments:
Post a Comment