Farenheit 451 Essay

While Clarisse and Mildred are both very different people, they work together to help Montag see the truth behind his unhappiness in the society. Clarisse believes in sitting and taking time to watch the world go by. She takes time to see the world and all of its beauty. On the other hand, Mildred lives a fast life letting the world pass her by. She always has a purpose for doing something. For example, she doesn’t just go for walks or looks at things for fun. Clarisse and Mildred are both opposite but, help show Montag the truth about the society. Clarisse is a non-conformist who helps show Montag true happiness in life. Clarisse does not conform to the society. She doesn’t believe in the fast life they live. Clarisse pays attention to little things and has a personal interest in Montag. Clarisse symbolizes the hope for the future of society. Finally, Clarisse’s life centers on the little things that make life worthwhile. For example, she says â€Å"I rarely watch the parlor walls or go to races or fun parks. So I’ve lots of time for crazy thoughts† (Bradbury 9). The quote shows how she is different from the people in the society. She would rather go walking around looking at the beauty of nature than participate in the mind-numbing and barbaric rituals the society participates in. Next, Clarisse also plays a role in the development of Montag. In the beginning Montag meets Clarisse walking home from work. She asks him many questions that make him think about his life. In the end she asks him if he is happy. At first he blows off the question stating of course he is happy but the more he thinks about it he realizes his unhappiness in the society and in his marriage. Clarisse helps jump start his transgression and helps him find his true fate. Mildred is a conformist whose cold and lifeless ways show Montag the truth behind his unhappiness. Mildred is a very important character and plays a major role in the story. First, Mildred symbolizes how the rest of the society acts. Even though Montag and Mildred are married they have a special bond that most married couples share. Mildred is very cold to Montag and does not open up. For example, Montag says â€Å"He felt his way towards his open, separate, and therefore cold bed† (Bradbury 12). The quote means that even though Montag and Mildred are married they have no meaningful connection to each other. Mildred does not open up to Montag to share personal feelings or let him open up to her. Mildred acts this way because she does not like to think. For example, when Mildred goes to bed she has to listen to music so her mind is occupied. If she’s not occupied then she might actually find out how unhappy she is. Mildred helps show Montag how unhappy he really is. Whenever Montag would try and talk to Mildred she would always ignore him and dodge the questions. She would make him feel like their relationship was built on lies and that they really did not love each other. Finally, neither of them could remember where they meet. One of the most important things in a relationship and Mildred nor Montag could remember it. This Furthers Montag’s reasoning that he is not happy. Mildred’s distant ways help show Montag how unhappy he really is. Clarisse and Mildred are both opposite but, help show Montag the truth about the society. Clarisse likes to talk to people and have conversations with them. Also, she takes time to see the world and all of its beauty. On the other hand, all Mildred does is watch the parlor walls. If she does do something it is for a reason not just for fun. While Clarisse and Mildred are both very different people, they work together to help Montag see the truth behind his unhappiness in the society.