In our society people are often quick to judge and point out the faults of others, without clearly understanding the situations. The wrongs committed by people are often seen as grand and preposterous, yet they often fail to look within themselves and reflect on their own actions. Many times people fail to look at themselves through that mirror in which they dare to judge those different from them, which often deprives them of the truth. In the novel Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradburry, Montag is firstly seen as a conformist who is influenced by what society infiltrates as being "proper", yet later discovers his own identity and becomes aware of the wickedness of his own actions.
Fahrenheit 451, takes place in a philistine society where censorship, and anti intellectualism are promoted. Due to the possibilities of differences, questions and problems that could arise about concepts of life and humanity, as well as issues of the people, this society conforms to what should be the "perfect" way of living. People are blindfolded into robot-beings, who dare not to use their minds to think about what they truly believe. Montag, one of the main characters, is a man who conforms to his surroundings and believes that his job as fireman (who burns books), is proper and good for the people. He, as many of the other citizens, was never exposed to anything else other than that isolated and oppressive world in which he lives in. Changes and differences seem harmful and troublesome, thus the human brains are not used or challenged at any instant. Yet, among of this brain-washed society, Montag is questioned by Clarisse, a seventeen year girl who is one of the few rebels, and humane people of this society. She is intact with the way society should be like, thus, Montag's happiness is gambled with as she asks him questions which pertain to his own person and thoughts. As the novel progresses he begins to think about her ideas and ways, and is some how attracted to her perceptions.