When we turn to technology to fulfill our needs, we will turn away from the essentials (knowledge and creativity). When this happens we allow things to happen that we wouldn’t not normally stand for because the technology distracts us. When we no longer thirst knowledge and yearn for creative spirit, we no longer care. That is how the characters allowed the firemen to burn the books, they were sucked into the advances in society and no longer cared for the simplicities such as reading and learning from books.

Also, there is a moral concerning the idea of censorship. the people (obviously not all of them) were not outraged by this blatant disregard for freedom of expression; however, a small group of people took it upon themselves to correct it. Bradbury was of course commenting on the awful idea of total censorship, but more so, he was commenting on the ability of the individual to correct the wrongdoings of society.

Fahrenheit 451 is a very complex novel. It is complex because it covers several themes. True, it speaks out against censorship, but it’s far more than that. Also true, it shows how technology can become an end unto itself. It also shows how one person can challange and perhaps set into motion a change that ultimately changes the world. The people who memorized books did so to preserve the depth of the stories. It isn’t enough to know that Romeo and Juliet were two star-crossed lovers who died at the end of the story, you need to hear the words used by the original author to fully understand not only the story, but the nuances, the setting, the underlying plot and subplots and, most importantly, the “way” in which the story is told…the flower of language. The book also shows how you can be taught that anything is acceptable and come to accept it as the “right” way by the time you’re an adult. This is not just “hypothetical” as all you need to do is watch the evening news and wonder how someone could even consider blowing themselves up in order to go to heaven and be given virgins to play with. Or, be raised to believe an entire race of people need to be enslaved, exterminated, conquered, etc. The fireman in the story is both “everyman” and the poster child for anyone who was raised to believe certain “truths”. The fact that he is moved to change his beliefs by a child, shows that fresh eyes can sometimes see the underlying truth. The story also shows the enormity of the “system” and how sometimes an underground movement is the only way to attack the system. However, many miss the point that it is also this same underground movement mentality that can attack a “valid” system, which is only “valid” to those who believe it to be so. It is a novel which shows the two-sided sword of relativism and the neverending search for truth, and need for control. As stated above, it is a “very” complex novel that is often glossed over to make a single point by a professor, teacher, politician or radical instigator. The irony here is that it is often cited to reinforce a course of action that it actually tried to criticize. The belief systems represented can fall into those who believe in unquestioning devotion to the “system” and those who believe the system to be faulty and will do whatever it takes to create an alternative system. It can also be divided into those who believe preservation of the past slows down progress and those who believe remembering the past is the only way to ensure a future who avoids the mistakes of the past and keeps some sense of continuity. It can also be divided into those who believe in a pastoral lifestyle that rejects technology and those who believe technology is the solution to every problem. The novel is a depiction of extremes, but is split many different ways. Morally, is it right to follow the rules if the rules defy your underlying image of right and wrong? Is it morally right to challange the rules just because “you” believe them to be faulty…won’t that lead to chaos and anarchy? Is it right to allow destruction of the “self” in order to create a homogeneous culture that is safer and less fearful? How much freedom do we surrendor in order to feel safe? The novel raises more questions than it answers, adding to its appeal and complexity.

The basic underlying message in Bradbury’s 451 is that Censorship is immoral. He visits this theme again and again in his writing (another example is “The Fall of the House of Usher” in The Martian Chronicles). In the futuristic society outlined by Bradbury in F451, you have to remember that firemen have a different job. Their job is to burn books. The title comes from the fact that paper burns at this temperature. You could also by the way look at his essay at the back of some editions of F451, where he discusses further his opinions on censorship. He has a lot of vitriolic hatred for anyone who tries to tell him what or how to write. Hope that helps.

From reading this book I got that the message was that the world through all of its technological advances has started to depend too much on its technology and has drifted away from its original beginings i.e. books. People in the book are looking for an easy way out, an escape from reality and are conforming. Books never conform to anything they all represent different beliefs and points of view.

Farenheight 451 also proves one person can infect others with his or her ideas. I’m referring to the interaction between Clarence McClellan and Montag. This curious girl led Montag to open the very band books which he was supposed to be burning. Clarence’s questioning also, if I can remember correctly, makes Montag frustrated at the technology present in the society. `

Censorship is wrong. It can lead to a horrible society where people aren’t free and can’t even express theirselves. The spot at the end of the book where he meets up with the homeless people is extremely important. I’lll let you find it…..i liked that book…read it freshman year…good times….not really

In a few words:

Firemen burning books ~ Censorship

FORGET WHAT EVERYONE ELSE SAYS

i had a huge exam on it with an essay and SPARKNOTES helped me out so much! god if u have limited time just read the PLOT OVERVIEW and that would be a great review

www.sparknotes.com

Read the book! It’s good!

That technology can really ruin a society.