Similarities Between Fahrenheit 451 And Clarisse
Sometimes, it takes two people to show one’s weaknesses and the other’s strengths. Foil characters emphasize important traits of each character to convey the meaning of the work. In Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, the characters Mildred, who only longs for the empty parlor walls, and Clarisse, who is filled with desire for knowledge, contrast each other in a way that shows the cold society and the comforting natural world. Although both characters are significant people in Montag’s life, Mildred is cold and tries to shut out Montag, while Clarisse welcomes his presence. After getting to know Clarisse for the first time, Montag is shocked at the bond he had with her, such that “she almost seemed to be waiting for [him]
Fei 2
there...so …show more content…
Seeing Clarisse up close, Montag studies Clarisse’s features and sees that her face is “fragile milk crystal with soft and constant light” though it was “not the hysterical light of electricity”, it was “strangely comfortable and rare”. Emphasizing the contrast between artificial and nature, Montag also finds comfort in the warmth and reveals that comfort is rare in the society. Unknowingly, Montag undergoes a change in the desire for a more natural atmosphere. However, when Montag discovers Mildred overdosed in his cold house, her features were “like a snow covered island upon which rain might fall but it felt no rain; over which clouds might pass their moving shadows, but she felt no shadow.”(13). Mildred’s facial characteristics shows coldness, but also an empty feeling that lives in the society. Even though shadows and rain are descriptions of Mildred’s face, which give an melancholy vibe, she buries any thought of distress. Mildred and Clarisse contrast each other with their emotions that show on their faces. With Clarisse, Montag can see the problems of the society in Mildred, and the comforting natural world in Clarisse. The contrasting characters show that humans need to take a break from the artificial world, or they will lose their humanity. It takes both Mildred and Clarisse inspire a change in Montag’s views on
Fei 2
there...so …show more content…
Seeing Clarisse up close, Montag studies Clarisse’s features and sees that her face is “fragile milk crystal with soft and constant light” though it was “not the hysterical light of electricity”, it was “strangely comfortable and rare”. Emphasizing the contrast between artificial and nature, Montag also finds comfort in the warmth and reveals that comfort is rare in the society. Unknowingly, Montag undergoes a change in the desire for a more natural atmosphere. However, when Montag discovers Mildred overdosed in his cold house, her features were “like a snow covered island upon which rain might fall but it felt no rain; over which clouds might pass their moving shadows, but she felt no shadow.”(13). Mildred’s facial characteristics shows coldness, but also an empty feeling that lives in the society. Even though shadows and rain are descriptions of Mildred’s face, which give an melancholy vibe, she buries any thought of distress. Mildred and Clarisse contrast each other with their emotions that show on their faces. With Clarisse, Montag can see the problems of the society in Mildred, and the comforting natural world in Clarisse. The contrasting characters show that humans need to take a break from the artificial world, or they will lose their humanity. It takes both Mildred and Clarisse inspire a change in Montag’s views on