Theme Of Morality In Fahrenheit 451

Is ignorance bliss? Or can true happiness come only from knowledge? In Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451, the protagonist, Guy Montag, lives in a futuristic, dystopian version of the United States in which knowledge is frowned upon, ignorance runs rampant, and uniformity is imperative. To fit in with the societal assumption that sameness equates to happiness, Guy feels he must conform and play the part of a contented citizen. However, Guy frequently finds himself questioning the validity of his society’s mindless, materialistic approach to life. This disharmony between inward thought and outward action catalyzes Montag’s desire for change, leads him to deeper introspection, and contributes to the novel’s central message that if one remains ignorant, one cannot truly be happy.
Montag’s growing conflict with his society’s values increases his desire for personal change. Montag’s job as a fireman, someone who burns books, facilitates his society’s anti-knowledge values, and Montag seems fairly satisfied with that. In fact, while working he would “grin the fierce grin” unique to members of his …show more content…
Living as a “normal” citizen of his time and the growing feelings of uneasiness this brought allowed him to realize the wrongs of his society’s ways and begin to seek life anew. Throughout his search, Montag also comes to know the importance of self-understanding, an essential element to a truly fulfilled life. Although it is common practice for individuals to go through life under the false conviction that “ignorance is bliss,” Ray Bradbury reveals that this notion is far from reality. Without an understanding of the world and one’s personal role in it, one can only go through life living out a pre-packaged lie, a plastic mold of expectation that cannot bring personal fulfillment or