Utilitarianism In Fahrenheit 451

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Great literature displays the world as it is and its possible futures. A type of literature that does this is the dystopian genre. Novels of the dystopian genre always show a future where humanity has gone down the wrong path. When depicting this future, authors of dystopian novels use specific characterization. Their use of characterization often shows the audience qualities that are apparent in every individual but are often not noticed by oneself. Authors of dystopian literature use their main characters to demonstrate the weakness of an individual when he goes against society. In the novel 1984, the author, George Orwell, depicts through his protagonist that a character’s deficiencies are magnified and turned against him if he goes against …show more content…

This is first seen when Beatty says, “I want you to do this job all by your lonesome, Montag. Not with kerosene and a match, but piecework, with a flame thrower. Your house, your cleanup.” (Bradbury 116). Montag has already turned against society by harboring forbidden books and supporting the readings of forbidden books. By doing so, Beatty has power over Montag in the sense of being able to burn Montag’s house and the books he harbors. In addition, Beatty is able to coerce Montag to continue to burn books. Montag is unable to resist, thus showing that Montag’s powerlessness is beginning to destroy his dreams of having books to read. Later on, Montag is running away from authorities. The television broadcasts that everyone should open their doors and try to look for Montag to bring Montag the criminal to justice. Immediately after the broadcast, Montag thought, “Of course! Why hadn’t they done it before! Why in all the years hadn’t this game been tried! Everyone up, everyone out! He couldn’t be missed! The only man running alone in the night city, the only man proving his legs.” (Bradbury 138). Montag is lamenting the fact that he will be found. By doing so, Montag characterizes himself as powerless due to the fact that he is unable to escape the eyes of society. By being

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