Fahrenheit 451

The society in Fahrenheit 451 has a thirst for simplistic, and often violent forms of entertainment. Clarisse alludes to the number of deaths from dangerous driving, and the hunt for Montag transforms into a grotesque TV show that sucks in countless viewers all over the city. A key reason for this degradation is the lack of meaningful leisure pursuits, such as taking the time to enjoy a book. This world has banned most forms of literature, and people are so over-stimulated there is simply no place for more restrained activities. Indeed, showing an interest in more intellectual pursuits such as nature and the arts is very much frowned on.

Interestingly, Bradbury uses the character of Captain Beatty to counter his own belief that mind-numbing forms of entertainment will inevitably lead to a general dumbing down of society. In his speech to Montag, which serves as a critique on intellectualism, Beatty justifies censorship with his classroom anecdote about the “exceptionally bright” (39) kid at the back of the class who makes everyone else feel stupid and inferior. By banning books, Beatty believes the government has created an equal society where people are happier.