Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury explores the theme of history in the novel Fahrenheit 451 through the ignorance of society brought upon civilians by the government and the reluctance of the nation to bring about change. In the first chapter, Montag scoffs at Clarisse for asking: “Is it true that long ago firemen put out fires instead of going to start them?” To which he responds, “No, houses have always been fireproof, take my word for it.” (Bradbury 8) This exchange between the two characters proves how uninformed they have become after the banning of books. What once was common knowledge of history is now skewed to fit the government's’ agenda in keeping its people in check. Believing the past has always been this way is effective in controlling the masses

Now, my “family” is people. They tell me things, I laugh, they laugh! Besides If Captain Beatty knew about those books— he might come and the burn the house and the “family.” That’s awful! Why should I read? What for?” (Bradbury 61). People like Millie are only interested in momentary amusement. To change their ways and leave behind the "family" is absurd, as they do not recognize/know the benefits of what educated and informed people has previously brought to their nation. The theme of history is not just explored in the ignorance of the general public, but also though the inability for society to learn from humanities past mistakes. The limitations of free speech and constant war within this society are never fixed or prevented because there is nothing to look back on or learn lessons from. Montag realizes this when he says: “We’ve started and won two atomic wars since 1990!...Is that why we’re hated so much? Do you know why? I don’t. Books can get us half out of the cave...Don’t you see?” (Bradbury 62). Guy recognizes that educating themselves on the past is the best way to understand the present, and how damaging consequences can result from certain ideologies such as censorship or book burning