Fahrenheit 451 Freedom Essay

In The United States of America, freedom is an undeniable right granted to all citizens. However, in the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the idea of an American future without freedom of thought is explored in depth. The primary way that freedom of thought is restricted in the novel is through the American government’s ban on literature. The ban arose from the enticing nature of new technology and the challenging ideas and controversy that arose from books, controversy that offended minorities. Guy Montag, the central character, feels the affect of a life without freedom through his constant internal struggle on whether he is satisfied with his life of material pleasures or if he longs to formulate intellectual ideas. Unlike Montag, most

When Mildred Montag, Guy Montag’s seemingly happy wife, attempts suicide, it becomes evident that people who appear satisfied with television and mindless activities are still inherently depressed and frustrated with their lives. Unknowingly, these citizens crave what every person desires: the freedom to make choices, challenge ideas, and think about topics deeply and meaningfully. This idea is expanded upon when Mildred’s doctors tell Montag, “We get these cases nine or ten times a night” (Bradbury 13). Mildred is not the only individual dissatisfied with her lack of knowledge and freedom, but many other also attempt to commit suicide to escape their life of material satisfaction. Clearly, people crave for more in their lives besides television and sports. They crave knowledge and freedom of thought, and without these two necessities, individuals feel frustrated and unhappy (Smolla). The power of these emotions leads to the infliction of violent acts, as well as a generally more discontented

Since the government controls what the people watch on television and read in magazines, information is usually unreliable and is tailored to entertain the citizens. News provides no stimulating ideas and offers information that people want to hear, not essential news that causes fear or controversy (Seed 83). The sound of bomber jets fill the air everyday, yet Mildred and her friends talk about how the upcoming war will be quick and easy, lasting about forty-eight minutes. Montag, frustrated with the obliviousness that exists in society, proclaims, “Every hour so many damn things in the sky! Why doesn’t someone want to talk about it! We’ve started and won two atomic wars since 1990! Is it because we’re having so much fun at home we’ve forgotten the world?” (Bradbury 73). This statement displays how people are so engrossed in their mindless television that worldly issues seem trivial, when in reality, it must be the other way around (Seed 84). Towards the end of Fahrenheit 451, a lack of knowledge about the world leads to the demise of Mildred and many other uninformed citizens. They are bombed in a war that was, according to the news, supposed to be quick and painless. Bradbury uses the bombing as a tool to teach readers that unawareness from a lack of literature leads to death and