The Theme Of Happiness In Fahrenheit 451

According to Daily Infographic "Happiness is maximized at 13.9 C or 57 F".Fahrenheit 451is an out-of-the-ordinary novel written by Ray Bradbury that explores the idea of happiness in a society where books are banned and critical thinking is prohibited could work here “We have everything we need to be happy, but we aren’t happy. Something’s missing. I looked around. The only thing I positively knew was gone was the books I’d burned in ten or twelve years. So I thought books might help” Montag pg 82. In this world, happiness is defined as being mindless, and obedient to authority. However, the characters in the novel reveal that they are truly happy by reading and having an open mind about things. The central character, Montag, is initially well and “happy” with his life as a fireman burning books until he meets Clarisse, a young girl who challenges him to have an open mind and questions his happiness "Are you happy?" said Clarisse pg 8 . Through their conversations, Montag begins to realize that he is not truly happy “He was not happy. He was not happy. He said the words to himself” pg 10, and that there might be more to life than what he has been taught. His journey toward discovering pure happiness leads him on a path of rebellion against the brutal government.

In the world of Fahrenheit 451, individuals are constantly distracted b televisions and other forms of technology “Nobody listens anymore. I can’t talk to the walls because they’re yelling at me. I can’t talk to my wife; she listens to the walls. I just want someone to hear what I have to say. And maybe if I talk long enough, it’ll make sense” pg 82. Those are to prevent them from being interested in deeper emotions and thoughts. This creates an empty existence where people are unable to truly connect with one