We can understand Clarisse and Mildred as two models that reflect two opposite facets of the same society.

One facet, Clarisse, represents an anti-establishment enlightened way of looking at society. Clarisse embraces human contact, talking, learning....She is values authenticity over illusion. Mildred represents a vacuous conformist facet of society. Mildred values the illusions of her TV walls and the sanitized information pumped out by the state. Mildred's world is limited to superficial values and relationships: there is an emptiness around Mildred and state sanctioned society.