Examples Of Materialism In Fahrenheit 451

(AGG) F. Sionil Jose illustrated the superficiality of modern society when he said, “We are shallow because we have become enslaved by gross materialism, the glitter of gold and its equivalents, for which reason we think that only the material goods of this earth can satisfy us and we must therefore grab as much as can while we are able.” (BS-1) In the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the average member of Montag’s society has succumbed to the idea that only materials can satisfy them. (BS-2) Materialism is the root of a multitude of problems that people in the society face. (BS-3) However, people who are not materialistic do not face these problems. (TS) Ray Bradbury sends a warning about the materialism of people and the dangers it poses

(SIP-A): People who are not materialistic form close relationships with one another, unlike materialistic people, who do not. Some examples of these people include Clarisse and Granger. Clarisse’s non-materialism is shown in her focus on nature and thoughts. “‘They want to know what I do with all my time. I tell them that sometimes I just sit and think’... (20). If Clarisse was truly materialistic, she would devote more time to trying to procure more items for her life. People who are materialistic do not sit and think the same way as Clarisse does, so she, therefore, is not materialistic. Granger’s lack of a materialistic approach to his life is shown in the way that he and his companions sit in a silence. “Montag moved towards this special silence that was concerned with all of the world…” (139). Granger’s love of silence and of thoughts displays that he is not materialistic, as materialistic people are constantly focused on their worldly possessions, which Granger is not. (STEWE-1): Granger’s relationship with his grandfather exhibits this. Granger valued his grandfather a lot, as is shown when he says, "He was part of us…" (139). Granger formed a close bond with his grandfather, because saying that his grandfather was part of him and his family expresses his close bond with his grandfather. His effect on Granger is shown when Granger says that “if you lifted my skull, by God, in the convolutions of my brain you’d find the big ridges of his thumbprint” (150). Granger’s relationship with his grandfather clearly went very deep, to the point where his grandfather made such a big impact on Granger that his actions are still imprinted in his brain. Therefore, people who are not materialistic, such as Granger, form relationships, unlike materialistic people, such as Mildred and her friends. (STEWE-2): Another example of a deep relationship