The First Line Of Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

Novel Essay
The first line of Fahrenheit 451 provides a crucial insight into the very little we know of Guy Montag’s life prior to the opening of this novel. “It was a pleasure to burn” (Bradbury 1). With those six simple words the author, Ray Bradbury, conveys Montag’s obvious satisfaction with his life as a fireman. The exposition of this novel depicts a dystopian future where the vast majority of citizens live in numb contentment. For decades Montag has been content to blindly conform to the expectations of his culture. At this point in the narrative the main character is content, he is not yet affected by the events that will propel him into action.
Guy Montag is thrust into a rebellious new world with one simple question. “Are you happy?” (Bradbury 7). The fundamental question is posed by a young woman who seems to be blissfully free of the trance that most other members of the society have fallen into. Her name is Clarisse. Although her character is only present through the introduction and part of the rising action

While Montag is at the fire station the alarm sounds. Montag responds to the fire, only to realize that the house is his own. Evidently his nonconformity was too much for Mildred. With her suitcase packed she reported her husband’s stash of literature and walked away from the interruption he had caused in her lackluster life. At this point Montag must decide whether to return to his carefully structured life of normalcy, or continue on the rugged path to what he considers to be a life worth living. The tension builds as Montag is forced to burn his own house. But the true climax occurs when Montag crosses the point of no return as he turns his flamethrower on his superior, the fire chief. At that moment Montag declares his commitment to his new life and becomes a wanted man. He is no longer living in the shadows or toeing the line. He has firmly declared himself a