Fahrenheit 451 Comparison

Books provide knowledge, and knowledge provides power, yet throughout history, countless books have been banned by different religions, governments, and institutions, with varying intentions. Two authors of such banned books include Ray Bradbury and William Golding. Esteemed novelists, Bradbury and Golding both wrote many pieces that were heavily influenced by his distinct upbringing. Ray Bradbury was fascinated by futuristic, imaginative themes from a young age, dedicating much of his childhood to reading adventure and fantasy novels (“Ray Bradbury”). Striving to create a legacy through his fiction like his favorite fantasy authors had, Bradbury began publishing his writing out of high school. His love for science-fiction is evident throughout his work, especially in his novel Fahrenheit 451, a story that depicts a futuristic world intent on eradicating books in order to maintain an ignorant, unquestioning society. William Golding also incorporated his past experiences into his writing; however, unlike Bradbury, Golding’s later life influenced his stories. Being a grammar school teacher after college, Golding found writing inspiration in the unruly young boys he taught (“William Golding”). These children undoubtedly shaped Golding’s vision to write Lord of The Flies, a story in which a group of British boys stranded on an island disastrously attempt to govern themselves. Both authors’ lives, although completely different, influenced each man to pursue his own subject

Banned for numerable reasons including vulgar language, references to God, violence, and negative views on human nature, these books still remain in a vast number of school curriculums. Despite occasional challenges every year, they truly prove that simply banning a book from an audience will never