Thursday, July 25, 2013

Is Montag happy in the first part of Fahrenheit 451?

Montag is happy when the book begins, but he is not at ease; because of his internal confusion over the purpose of burning books, he only takes superficial joy in his job.



He walked toward the comer, thinking little at all about nothing in particular. Before he reached the corner, however, he slowed as if a wind had sprung up from nowhere, as if someone hadcalled his name.
(Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, Google Books)



Montag clearly takes great pride and joy in his job, but every word is tinged with doubt; his "fierce smile" remains on his face after burning the books, but this is not necessarily from his own internal joy, instead being an instinctive reaction bred into him by society. It is clear, as he loses his elation just by walking away, that he is not fully happy, even though he does not yet understand his dissatisfaction with society.

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