In Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451, artificial happiness is found in Montag's, the protagonist's, society."

Essay by ielecrra69 December 2003

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Ecstasy

In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, artificial happiness is found in Montag's, the protagonist's, society. Initially, many gadgets appear to create cheerfulness in Montag's milieu. Furthermore, Beatty, Montag's antagonist, ignores many elements of pleasure. In conclusion, can an individual experience real joy without assistance from an appliance or performing typical tasks perfunctorily?

New technological advances drain the cheer out of humanity. First, Montag becomes frightened by one of technology's creations. Montag exclaims, "Montag touched the muzzle. The hound growled. Montag jumped back. The hound half rose in its kennel and looked at him with green-blue neon light flickering in its suddenly activated eye-bulbs. It growled again, a strange rasping combination of electrical sizzle, a frying sound, a scraping of metal, a turning of cogs that seemed rusty and ancient with suspicion. 'No, no, boy,' said Montag, his heart pounding" (25). With the concern that the mechanical hound can easily get up and brutally slaughter Montag, it is fairly simple to remain agitated and petrified around this lifeless beast.

A machine that can deliver so much fear cannot possibly be an automaton that can distribute happiness. Humans should always be in control; technology should not control human life. Moreover, Montag's wife, Mildred, discovers she does not love anyone. Mildred is falsely led to believe that she adores the television, which serves as a family to her. Montag and Mildred verbalize, "'Millie, does-' He licked his lips. 'Does your 'family' love you, love you very much, love you with all their heart and soul, Millie"' 'Why'd you ask a silly question like that?' He felt he wanted to cry, but nothing would happen to his eyes and mouth" (77). Mildred's superficial personality makes Montag feel upset. Montag grasps the concept that their marriage is just for show. A commercial, to...