Introduction
In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Guy Montag can be described as the ideal protagonist in a dystopian society that prohibits the enlightenment of the masses. The book is a dystopian fiction inspired by various historical events, including the ideological repression in the Soviet Union and the burning of books in Nazi Germany. Montag is a firefighter primarily tasked with burning books once found. Shockingly, he begins reading the books and develops sentiments against the practice. Through his character development, Montag illustrates that even those individuals used as tools of an oppressive regime can rise against it once they embrace independent ideologies.
Character Analysis
Guy Montag best fits the description of a conformist since he embraces his role and place in society. The first few paragraphs of the book cement this observation by depicting how Montag relished the sight of burning books and the pride he took in the job. He had a smile that “…never went away, as long as he remembered” his experiences with the burning books (Bradbury 2). Therefore, it appears that he never questioned why he had to burn books. Furthermore, the author depicts Montag as a man who prefers to think tittle about nothing in particular. As a result, Montag is the perfect fireman in the novel since he will do what the regime asks him to do without question.
In addition to being a conformist, Montag appears to be sadistic based on the notion that he enjoys his cruel and destructive work. Additionally, he amuses himself by watching the suffering he inflicts on society. He and other firemen often played sadistic games that involved letting small loose animals and watching them get devoured by the Mechanical Hound. The Mechanical Hound would “…inject massive jolts of morphine or procaine” (Bradbury 22). The animal would then be tossed into the incinerator, and a new game would begin. The firemen often bet on the outcome of these games. Evidently, Montag is a conformist due to his sadistic tendencies. Arguably, the regime gives him an opportunity to undertake actions that give him amusement. If indeed, Bradbury bases the novel on Nazis’ practices of burning books, then Montag is a typical Nazi who buys into the policies of the regime.
Character Development
Montag’s character development illustrates a significant shift from a conformist to a protagonist who goes against the very principles that have defined most of his life. Montag has been a fireman for eight years and enjoyed his work. He cherished dressing in his uniform and playing the role of a symphony conductor. He liked the smell of kerosene as it raised the temperature to the 451 degrees Fahrenheit required to ignite the books. He also enjoyed the bestial games that involved the annihilation of small animals by a mechanical hound. Montag’s character development signifies a shift from these traits towards an independently thinking and deviant character who liked to read books.
Montag’s character change occurs when he interacts and forms a friendship with Clarisse McClellan. In the previous two years of his career, Montag has increasingly become discontent and slowly became a fireman turned sour. Interestingly, he cannot tell the cause of his emptiness and disaffection. He develops a restless mind best described as “full of bits and pieces” (Bradbury 38). Many captains and firemen developed such a condition and often require drugs to sleep. Montag is amazed at Clarisse’s independent thinking and defiance of convention, which she had the courage to display openly. Montag starts to question his life, marriage, and behaviors. Most importantly, he starts to perceive the harshness of his society, which was opposed to the joys of nature, independent thinking, and the enlightenment emanating from reading. As a result, it can be observed that Montag was only a conformist for as long as he did not stop to think for himself.
Independent thinking and reading books unlock a new Montag who experiences an epiphany that sinks him into despair. He suffers guilt due to his actions, including failing to love his wife and hiding books. Montag embarks on a defiant journey of opposing the government and reading books, and even recruits his wife to join him. His moroseness reaches a critical point after witnessing an old woman burn – she embraces her death as firemen come to burn her books. He seeks help from Faber, who becomes Montag’s alter ego. Montague’s character development ends with the decision to turn against the very regime he supported.
Conclusion
Montag starts out as a staunch supporter of the regime that suppresses the enlightenment of the people by burning their books. His conformist nature is coupled with a sadistic trait that sees him gain amusement from the cruelty of his actions. An epiphany emanating from his friendship with Clarisse marks the start of his shift in character from a sadistic conformist to a rational and independently-thinking defiant. Montag had worked for several years as a fireman before experiencing the change. Therefore, it becomes apparent that individuals who have been part of an oppressive system can change and rise against it when they embrace independent ideologies.
Work Cited
Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. Goodreads, 1953.