The Importance Of Technology In Fahrenheit 451, By Ray Bradbury

As we move into the near future, it is evident that new and improved technological advancements will be at our disposal. Due to the profound impact technology can have on society, it is important to remember that like anything else, it should not be abused. Author Ray Bradbury makes this clear in much of his literature. Bradbury emphasizes how technology can alter the way people ultimately interact and interpret things. In Fahrenheit 45, and his other short stories, Bradbury makes it clear that technology should be used to help society. In Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451, the reader is introduced to a character known as Guy Montag. This main protagonist lives in a futuristic society that prides itself on destroying all different forms of

This story involves a post nuclear setting, as well as a single standing house. The significance of this house is due to the fact that it is the only building that remains standing amongst the rubble and ashes of society. This specific home is also self-automated and is capable of carrying out everyday tasks. It is not until later, the house malfunctions, causing it to catch fire and burn down like the rest of society. The narrator states, “Here, the white silhouette of a man mowed a lawn. There, as in a photograph, a woman bent to pick flowers. Still farther over, their images outlined in one titanic instant, a small boy, hands flung into the air…Higher up, The image of a thrown ball…and opposite him, a girl, hands raised to catch a ball which never came down…” (1). It is here where Bradbury creates a haunting image that shows the destructive nature of nuclear technology. It is this technological advancement that is capable of wiping out a human race. The house is simply a symbol of isolation, and it is something that brings light to the importance of human interaction. Without positive human interaction, the world cannot

This story is titled “The Pedestrian,” and it introduces a character by the name of Leonard Mead. This character similar to Montag, is a man invested in his surroundings. Mead often walks at night, and admires nature. He feels isolated in society as he is the only person to be indulging in these activities. He sees how everyone remains locked away in their homes watching television. Due to his abnormal actions, Mead is later approached by a police car, and apprehended. Mead then finds out that the car is self-automated and contains not one living soul. Here Bradbury gives the reader an example of how conformity is a dangerous thing. The narrator states, “He walked like a man suddenly drunk as he passed the front window of the car, he looked in. As he expected, there was no one in the front seat, no one in the car at all” (2). This quote shows the reader how there is a lack of human compassion, and because it is a machine, it is not capable of understanding Mead’s motives. It is in this story where there is that reoccurring element regarding the lack of human interaction. Bradbury stresses the importance of remaining aware and not allowing oneself to be consumed by