"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury is a capturing novel, set in the 24th Century, where society is far different from its present state. The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman, but not in the traditional sense. In the society presented in "Fahrenheit 451", it is illegal to own a book, or to read one. The solution to making sure this does not happen is the firemen, which have burned every book in existence. However, not long into the story, Montag begins to question his profession, and whether or not books should be abolished. Eventually, he flees the oppressive society by which he was bound, and joins an underground community, and witnesses the destruction of his previous society by an atomic explosion, and dedicates his life to restoring literature and reading.
Oskar Werner as Guy Montag in the 1966 film versio...
Jerzy Montag, German Green Party politician
Jerzy Montag, German Green Party politicianIn the beginning of the novel, Montag develops a relationship with his 17 year old neighbor, Clarisse McClellan. Clarisse proves to be an inquisitive young individual, who often questions why things are, instead of what they are. This eventually leads to Montag's questioning of his own principles and morals. He asks himself "Why are books such a forbidden source of information, and why are their rebels that stay so dedicated to keeping these forbidden pieces of literature. Is there some hidden power within them?"
This leads Montag on an adventure to obtain one of these wicked collections of ink and paper, and discover their true meaning. He soon discovers that this is not as easy as he thought, considering that he works for the fire department, and they are the ones helping to keep books out of circulation. Shortly afterwards, Montag gets a call to go to an old woman's house, who is secretly keeping a stash of books, and thus they must be burned. Him and his...