Role Of Conformity In Fahrenheit 451

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Envision living in a dystopian society, where one’s thought and individuality is either masked or brainwashed by conformity. Though many people don't realize it, modern society depicts a similar situation, yet it’s disguised. Correspondingly, Ray Bradbury expresses a similar idea in his first novel, Fahrenheit 451, by showing whether or not his characters are negatively impacted. The results of conformity brings about the worst and best of a society, which will be shown through the characters. Specific guidelines and rules are regulated throughout this illusional society making sure everyone succumbs into the trap of conformity. Even though conformity can be good in some situations, Ray Bradbury has emphasized the negativity by showing how …show more content…
She is shown to be different than most people in this society, by asking the “why” of things rather than the “how.” She teaches Guy Montag, our protagonist, things he never knew about as well as help him see conformity of the society they live in. Her unique look on life and personality, “I'm still crazy. The rain feels good. I love to walk in it. Rain even tastes good,” shows how she the foil character to most people in this society. (21) This phrase shows how Clarisse separates from the norm and accepts her own individuality. To most people living in this futuristic version of America, her absurdity is threatening to break the equality of the society, mainly people like Captain Beatty. Clarisse isn’t scared to stand up for what she believes even though is shown to be very subtle which helps the readers understand her perception of society. However this maturity isn’t found in most adults, “How odd. How strange. And my wife thirty and yet you seem so much older at times. I can’t get over it,” a feature that is particularly noticed by Montag. (23) Even though Clarisse was the age of 16 1/2 , she is show to be much wiser than her true age. The writer shows the readers how threatening this maturity and knowledge that comes along with it is to the maintainers of the so called happy society. She is one of the main roles that bring out the worst in conformity and tries to reason with others to follow along. Before she dies, she is able to impact the Montag who soon follows her quest and succeeds, a man who changes the face this society