Montag's Change In 'Fahrenheit 451'

Can people change? “The Hearth of The Salamander” is a chapter in a short story “Fahrenheit 451”that shows the progression of how the protagonist, Guy Montag, changes from a naive fireman who follows what he is believed to be in the society he lives in, to a man whose view of the world changes around him when a new friend, He is dissatisfied with his life and soon starts questioning his life and job chives when a new neighbor, Clarisse McClellan, comes along. Clarisse McClellan talks about the world around her and the government’s foolish ideologies and this sparks a number of thoughts in Montag’s mind, like how he lives in a world where everything is empty and isolated inside him, and how his life is controlled by his job. Clarisse’s compassion and interest in Montag also causes him to think more. This all changes Montag’s perspective on the world around him and changes his way of thinking and actions.

She also asks Montag thought-provoking questions, such as “Are you happy?” she said.“Am I what?” he cried.” Clarisse's ideas and genuine interest in Montag's thoughts make him realize how shallow his own life is and how much he has been missing out on. This then begins to linger throughout Montag's mind as he begins to change as a man and questions his whole