Fahrenheit 451 Dialectical Journal Essay

“Did you know that once billboards were only twenty feet long? But cars started rushing by so quickly they had to stretch the advertising out so it would last” (pg.7, ch.1 The Hearth And The Salamander). I find this quote significant because it perfectly explains the lives of the people in this novel. Moving fast, not paying attention and for what? To die in a car crash at only 17? Maybe be in the news until five minutes later the parlor walls begin to engross everyone with the newest gossip? Everyone wants to be happy, but although ignorance and moving quickly can shadow the bad, questions, patience and caring offer much more fulfillment, which those like Clarisse are more likely to find. For example, Montag seems happy and content burning books, until Clarisse actually makes him question it. True happiness could not deteriorate so easily. In the quote cars represent people, the billboards moments and experiences. This world focuses on filling life to the brim with fun and no time to think or question. Before cars could move slowly and

Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon. Breach man's mind. Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man? Me? I won't stomach them for a minute” (Pg.56, ch.2). I like this quote because of its irony. Beatty, the one who says the above quote is a well read man himself. I know this because he uses his knowledge to confuse and outwit Montag. “All's well that is well in the end” (Pg.105, ch.2). Beatty changes the quote to foreshadow the fireman's next tip off where Montag is caught. Throughout the arguments it is clear that Beatty has memorized many, many quotes and morals from books, allowing him to possess much more knowledge and power. Whether the society teaches all head firemen these things or if Beatty became a fireman to gain access to books as well as any other reason is unclear. However, it's funny that he basically insults himself by saying he can't stand those like