Fahrenheit 451

What does Ray Bradbury's satire communicate to us about our society?

What does Ray Bradbury's satire communicate to us about our society?

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This is largely a thematic question. There are many connections to consider with our own society. I think ignorance and knowledge is a major one. In our Western society we often embrace the ignorance demanded of us by advertisers and the culture of disposability. We covet video games and mindless reality television over wisdom and knowledge. We prefer talking to our cell phones rather than to each other. We really forget what happiness means. Clarisse's question to Montag is really a question to the reader, "are you happy?" What does true happiness consist of? Is ignorance bliss, or do knowledge and learning provide true happiness? Montag, in his belief that knowledge reigns, fights against a society that embraces and celebrates ignorance.  After befriending Clarisse, Montag finds himself unable to accept the status quo, believing life is more complete, true and satisfying when knowledge is welcomed into it. After making this discovery, Montag fights against ignorance, trying to help others welcome knowledge into their lives. For example, when his wife's friends come over, he forces them to listen to poetry. Although they become extremely upset after listening to what he reads, they are able to experience true emotion. In Montag's view, this emotion will give these women a fuller and more satisfying life.