Post by Lisa, Jodie, Orla, Ellie,Eabha on Dec 3, 2018 11:39:45 GMT -5
Bradburry clearly demonstrates a factor for Montag's change through the characterisation of Clarisse McClellan, his new neighbor, who makes him question the morality of his society and all aspects of his life. With some well intended words, she makes him realise the flaws within everything he knows.
"Are you happy?"
Clarisse's blunt question causes Montag to reflect on his life and how fulfilled he is in it. He questions if he was ever truly happy or whether it was only an illusion. When he takes more than a moment to respond, it is evident that it was probably the latter. It also unlocks one of the key themes in the novel-is it actually possible to achieve true happiness?
Clarisse, however, was not the only catalyst for his change. Further in the novel, Montag is introduced to a woman who would rather die with her books, than live without them.
"the woman kneeled among her books...while her eyes accused Montag."
Quickly, Montag is shown the distain held towards him and the importance of books. The criminal became a martyr when she chose her books over her own life. This action causes Montag to be confronted with the power and influence books can hold over people.
His change becomes evident when we see Montag struggling to decide what he wants.
"he felt his body divide into a hotness and a coldness, a softness and a hardness, a trembling and not trembling, the two halves grinding one upon the other."
Montag feels very divided, his thinkinig is split. A side of him continues to be career focused and faithful towards his government, however now a part of him is more curious and aware than before. He struggles with his thoughts as each side keeps fighting for dominance. It is clear that without these catalysts, Montag would never have realised the issues embedded in his society and changed his own attitude towards it.
"Are you happy?"
Clarisse's blunt question causes Montag to reflect on his life and how fulfilled he is in it. He questions if he was ever truly happy or whether it was only an illusion. When he takes more than a moment to respond, it is evident that it was probably the latter. It also unlocks one of the key themes in the novel-is it actually possible to achieve true happiness?
Clarisse, however, was not the only catalyst for his change. Further in the novel, Montag is introduced to a woman who would rather die with her books, than live without them.
"the woman kneeled among her books...while her eyes accused Montag."
Quickly, Montag is shown the distain held towards him and the importance of books. The criminal became a martyr when she chose her books over her own life. This action causes Montag to be confronted with the power and influence books can hold over people.
His change becomes evident when we see Montag struggling to decide what he wants.
"he felt his body divide into a hotness and a coldness, a softness and a hardness, a trembling and not trembling, the two halves grinding one upon the other."
Montag feels very divided, his thinkinig is split. A side of him continues to be career focused and faithful towards his government, however now a part of him is more curious and aware than before. He struggles with his thoughts as each side keeps fighting for dominance. It is clear that without these catalysts, Montag would never have realised the issues embedded in his society and changed his own attitude towards it.