FAHRENHEIT 451 THEMES AND MAIN IDEAS

TRANSFORMATION The state of undergoing a change. Montag goes from burning books to reading them. Pg. 82 “ ‘And I want you to teach me to understand what I read.’ ”

CONFORMITY (INDIVIDUALITY) Conformity- making everyone the same Ex. Mildred People tend to be afraid of things that are different or unknown. Sometimes they conform in order to feel safe. Individuality- expressing one’s own personality and characteristics Ex. Clarisse Pg. 22 “ ‘He says I’m a regular onion! I keep him busy peeling away the layers.’ ”

ALIENATION The separation of individuals. People do not interact. This theme is supported by the lack of front porches and their use of technology. Ex. Mildred is consumed with her mindless entertainment; she doesn’t care about talking to her husband. Pg. 44 “Well, wasn’t there a wall between him and Mildred, when you came down to it? Literally not just one wall but, so far, three!”

CENSORSHIP Censorship is the banning/restricting of ideas. It is used to control thinking and “dangerous” thoughts. It contradicts our First Amendment rights. Pg. 59 “ ‘Colored people don’t like Little Black Sambo. Burn it. White people don’t feel good about Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Burn it.’ ”

APATHY (COMPLACENCY) Apathy- lack of interest or caring Complacency- satisfaction with current state Ex. Mildred doesn’t care about the old woman or even her husband.

MASS MEDIA Mass media controls the content that it shares. Thus, it can influence a society. Many times it is generalized; it lacks depth. Ex. Commercials This theme is juxtaposed to the importance of literacy.

SELF-ABSORPTION People are concerned about themselves but no one else. They are concerned about their own desires and needs. Rely on instant gratification--no patience. Can’t withstand discomfort. Pg. 65 When Montag is trying to talk to Mildred about being unhappy, she has a rude response. “ ‘I’m tired of listening to this junk,’ said Mildred, turning from him to the announcer again.”

ALLEGIANCE Allegiance- showing support Support the government, even blindlessly, in order to feel protected

TECHNOLOGY Although technology can be beneficial, most of the technology mentioned in the book is used for negative reasons. It can be destructive. The TV screens and Seashells are mindless entertainment. They destroy people’s ability to think. The hound is a killing machine.

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY As a citizen, you have certain responsibilities. You should be contributing to society. Pg. 89 “The old man nodded. ‘Those who don’t build must burn. It’s as old as history and juvenile delinquents.’ ”