How Does Montag Change In Fahrenheit 451

In the novel, “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, the main character, Montag, goes through a series of changes which are represented through the recurring symbol of fire. Montag is a fireman, and, in the futuristic world the book is set in, firefighters start fires instead of stopping them. The people of the society all strive to live, do, and be interested in the same things. Montag lives by these same standards, more so because everyone else does than because he genuinely believes in it. He remained neutral until he met Clarrisse, who made him question not only his own happiness, but his beliefs about the society and the laws he had been enforcing for a decade. He goes from someone who is just like everybody else, to a criminal, but also someone

But, this “fairness” makes it so when someone is different, they are considered a threat. Not only to the government, but to the people, themselves, as well. This is reflected in Clarrisse’s character, as she is considered different from everyone else in the society as a result of her curiosity and overall questioning nature. Clarrisse is a girl Montag ran into on the way home from work one day, and, at first, he found her to be very strange. “‘Is it true that long ago firemen put fires out instead of going to start them?’ ‘No. Houses have always been fireproof, take my word for it.’ ‘Strange. I heard once that a long time ago houses used to burn by accident and they needed firemen to stop the flames.’ He laughed. She glanced quickly over. ‘Why are you laughing?’ ‘I don’t know.’ He started to laugh again and stopped. ‘Why?’ ‘You laugh when I haven’t been funny and you answer right off. You never stop to think what I’ve asked you.’ He stopped walking. ‘You are an odd one,’” (Bradbury, 6). Sometimes, he took her curiosity as a lack of respect, but he soon realized that her inquisitive nature wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, and that it may, in fact, make her better and more interesting than anyone else he had met. After having many conversations with Clarrisse, he began to question his own views of the world, and started to want

Though, it isn’t so much that his relationships change, but more of a realization on his part of what his relationships really are. Montag had been married to Mildred for years prior to the beginning of the novel, and, yet, they showed little to no chemistry throughout the story. Mildred’s character is very bland, as she is the epitome of the average person living in the society. She spends her days watching TV or talking with her friends on the phone. She sees little point in trying for anything and only wants to have fun. Her personality in contrast with Montag’s seems strange, as, even at the beginning of the novel, their interactions had minimal substance. Montag begins to realize how little fire there is in his marriage during one of his conversations with Clarrisse. “‘If it rubs off, it means I’m in love. Has it?’ He could hardly do anything else but look. ‘Well?’ she said. “You’re yellow under there.’ ‘Fine! Let’s try you now.’ ‘It won’t work for me.’ ‘Here.’ Before he could move she had put the dandelion under his chin. He drew back and she laughed. ‘Hold still!’ She peered under his chin and frowned. ‘Well?’ he said. ‘What a shame,’ she said. ‘You’re not in love with anyone.’ ‘Yes, I am!’ ‘It doesn’t show.’ ‘I am, very much in love!’ He tried to conjure up a face to fit the words, but there was no face,” (Bradbury, 19-20). After this painful realization, Montag begins to