In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 Guy Montag -the main character of this story- lives in a society full of censorship. The people of this town frown upon curiosity and don't tolerate those who attempt to be an individual. This particular society has outlawed books; books are to be burned if found.
Guy Montag is a fireman who believes that he has a great life, even though he assists in the censorship. Firemen burn books to prevent society from unhappy emotions and unapt thoughts. Fireman notified by alarms sent to the fire station would immediately go to the home of the lawbreaker that possessed the books. Kerosene covered books would then be torched with a flame-thrower and the offender would be taken off to prison. Later on the house where the books had been found would also be burned down.
Clarisse McClellan, Montag's seventeen-year-old neighbor, was raised to ask questions about everything. In meeting Clarisse, Montag is changed; she asks him things that he had never even given thought to before. One thing in this book that blows my mind is a line that Clarisse says. She says "Strange I heard once that a long time ago, houses used to burned by accident and they needed firemen to stop the flames." This is said when Clarisse and Montag first meet of course Montag does not believe it, but when Clarisse disappears/dies he knows what she said is true. Clarisse also asks Montag if he is truly happy about his life. Giving thought to this Montag realizes that he really isn't happy; he can't trust anyone. Montag also realizes that his relationship with his wife, Mildred, isn't all that great either. They are entirely different from one another because of the influence of society. This makes it extremely hard for them to communicate and agree on anything. Realizing this Montag works with Mildred to improve their relationship. While trying to improve his life Montag notices that Mildred is completely brainwashed.
