Guy Montag, the main character in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, goes through a huge change in his life. He changes from a typical fireman who follows the laws, into a person who challenges the law. Montag wakes up from being numbed and realizes that he is unhappy. Montag's wife, "Mildred", who is addicted to Television and radio, did not care about Montag's feelings. However; Clarisse and Faber played a big role in Montag's life. Montag is a metaphor for a numbed society and his courage is demonstrated as he wakes up and evolves into his real human self throughout the book.
Montag's first awakening starts when he meets Clarisse,. A 17 year old girl, who liked to smell things and look at things, and sometimes stay up all night walking and watching the sun rise. She asks Montag about his life and asks him, "Are you happy" .
Oskar Werner as Guy Montag in the 1966 film versio...
Ray Bradbury
Photo of Ray Bradbury.At that time Montag was laughing and did not really think about what Clarisse asked him and why is she asking him these kinds of questions. But later on, Montag questions life and his happiness, "He was not happy" . When he realizes that he is unhappy, he starts thinking about Clarisse and the questions she asked him. He knew there is something missing in his life that makes him unhappy.
Another thing that Clarisse's questions made Montag think about his wife Mildred. Whether they love each other or not. Montag asks Mildred is she remembers where they met the first time, "when did we meet? And where?" . This really shows the affect of Clarisse's questions on Montag's sudden changes towards his life and the society around him. And also proves that Montag is looking forward for his missing happiness. Before Montag meet with Clarisse, he did not think...