Elizabeth Vaz
English 11 AP
Fahrenheit 451 Character Analysis
“The essence of an independent mind lies not only in what it thinks, but how it thinks,
and what causes it to think.” In Ray Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451, this quote is exemplified
especially through the protagonist, Guy Montag and his trials and subsequent character
evolution.
Through the resolution of his inner conflict, Montag learns to think for and by himself, but this
could not have been accomplished without the proper environment, which the author sets up for
him. Bradbury’s creation of an aloof and materialistic dystopian society, causes Guy Montag’s
character to emerge from his initial conformity into independence.
At first, Guy faces obvious inner turmoil, as he has an inherently warm sense of
humanity and feelings of compassion for other human beings, which causes him to feel slightly
outcast in his society, which holds a disinterested attitude. Notably, his sensitivity is offended
when the medical operators that arrive to treat her for her overdose, show little to no interest in
Millie’s personal well-being. This troubles Montag, as he expects that operators will take special
care and delicatesse in her case - Montag believes overdoses such as Millie’s to be of sizeable
importance, and is shocked when the operators tell him that cases such as these happen
frequently. This offends Montag, perhaps because his inborn sense of humanity conflicts with
the operators’ casual approach to their job. This is also why it is so important to him that Millie
remember where and when they met (21). The same sensitivity disturbed by the lack of
personal element with the operators, is shown in his marriage with Millie. It worries him that
Millie does not recall their first moments together, as she should. To Montag, it makes perfect
sense that he would remember the time and place that he met the “love of his life”, which is
especially odd, considering that he can’t remember how he met Millie either. It is also not
surprising to see Guy react violently at the burning of the old woman and her books (35). That
incident, understandably, causes Montag’s “illness” which leads to his leave from his duties as a
fireman. The irrepressible sympathy of the man, then contributes to his malady - which results in
his permanent escape from his work. Thus, Montag’s inner conflict is visible even from the
primary introduction of his character.
Although his beginning conflict with himself is clearly evident, it gradually grows to
almost a schizophrenic magnitude: the side of his nature as a compassionate human being,
versus the side of his nurture, as society has taught him. When talking with Clarisse, he realizes
that he “wears his happiness like a mask” (5). The “nature” facet of himself is aware that his
happiness is only a façade and he blames the “nurture” side for its existence. Guy only pretends
to be content with society’s ways so that he is not singled out due to his actions, which would
otherwise be considered odd. Another indicator that Montag is being pulled in two different
directions is when he describes the nurture side of himself as “...a subconscious idiot that runs
babbling at times,” (4). He initially believes that side of him to be the tiny lunatic in his mind,
telling him to do conduct himself foolishly, which would hardly be acceptable in his community.
Instead, this “babbling idiot” comes to represent Montag’s conscience, aiding him to decipher
between good and evil, and ultimately leading to his rise to independence. The point at which
Montag’s conscious self realizes that he has to choose what kind of person he will become, is
reflected in his inner monologue: “He felt his body divide itself into two” (11). Evidently, at this
stage in the novel, Guy’s self-awareness is limited to just an emotion, rather than an
understanding. He does not know which parts of him are fighting for control, but he knows that
there has been a divide. There develop within Montag a sort of “two selves” which struggle for
supremacy. His role as a fireman and his human inclinations wage a civil war inside him, which
can only be resolved with the help of other people.
Montag takes his final strides towards independence through his interaction with the
catalytic people around him. Clarisse, the fundamental stimulant for change within Montag,
behaves, converses and intrigues unlike anyone Montag has ever encountered, causing him to
frequently declare that he “knows nothing anymore.” She stirs the unease within him, causing in
him the examination of his life. Through Clarisse, he realizes that he is truly not content with his
current life, and is empowered by his curiosity to bring change. Captain Beatty also acts as a
driving force in Montag’s mental advancement. Throught his thorough, precise speech about the
the history leading up to the state of his society, Montag learns more about the indifferent
culture in his community. Although Beatty serves as the novel’s main “antagonist,” he equips
Guy with the knowledge he needs to overcome his inner turmoil. Similarly, Faber, through the
medium of the earpiece, contributes extensively to Montag’s moral change, and represents
Montag’s counterpart, “He would be Montag-plus-Faber, fire plus water and then one day, after
everything had mixed and simmered… there would be neither fire nor water, but wine. Out of
two separate and opposite things, a third.” Through the earpiece, Montag feels as if he is no
longer his old self, but a new form of himself, reborn as a result of Faber’s bit of technology.
This comes to symbolize the resolution of Montag’s inner conflict, initially had been but a slight
unease. Guy Montag grows into independence through the many people he encounters in his
life, and the many events that occur to instill in him a sense of empathy.
Through the writing of Guy’s inner monologue, Ray Bradbury gives the reader an inside
look at the war going on in Montag’s head. Montag’s moral and ethical side come to triumph
over his materialistic side - the side that society has taught him to focus on. Eventually,
characters, events and Guy’s own moral reasoning helps him to resolve the his conflict with
himself. Montag’s conscience finally reaches the point of independence, empowering him to
think for himself, act for himself and ultimately remove his mask of happiness to reveal a
genuine contentment with the life that he’s created for himself.