Fahrenheit 451 Power Analysis

Power in Fahrenheit 451 Governments all over the world control their people in whatever way they see fit. In Pakistan, entire channels are removed from the air due to the discussion of controversial topics. In Russia, several media outlets were destroyed by government censors in an effort to regulate information. This concept of power and influence is analyzed in the novel Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury. Governments display power in several ways, including choosing what information their people receive, maintaining a false sense of security, and ensuring the right people are placed in authority. The government does not want their citizens to be aware of private matters, especially those concerning foreign affairs. However, people need to have access to data in order to fully trust their leaders. "The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them," (Patrick Henry). If the average citizen is not fully

It is demonstrated first and foremost by the manipulation of the citizens. People in authority view intelligence as a weapon, so they restrict books and all forms of knowledge. "So! A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. 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," (Bradbury 56). All possibilities for rebellion are eliminated at their first appearance. Civilians are also brainwashed to believe that physical appearances are worth more than actual education. "'Sounds fine,' said Mrs. Bowles. 'I voted last election, same as everyone, and I laid it on the line for President Noble. I think he's one of the nicest-looking men who ever became president,'" (Bradbury 93). It's clear that this election was rigged, not through physical force but using intellectual manipulation