Question

What does Captain Beatty say causes the people in his society to experience real happiness? Is he right? (Hint: Think about what you know about the characters you have met so far, especially Mildred.)

a) Owning books; Yes, he is right
b) Following rules; No, he is wrong
c) Suppressing emotions; Yes, he is right
d) Pursuing knowledge; No, he is wrong

Answer 1

Captain Beatty claims that real happiness comes from following rules, not from owning books or pursuing knowledge. However, Mildred's unhappiness in 'Fahrenheit 451' demonstrates the flaws in his assertion.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Captain Beatty suggests that people experience real happiness by following rules and not by owning books or pursuing knowledge, which can lead to dissatisfaction and unrest. Beatty's hypothesis is that when everyone conforms and follows the same set of rules, society functions without the complications caused by conflicting opinions and debates arising from literature and knowledge.

However, through the character of Mildred, Bradbury illustrates that this enforced conformity and suppression of intellectualism don't necessarily lead to happiness, as Mildred is depicted as being deeply unhappy and disconnected from reality despite strictly following societal norms.