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ESSAY QUESTION

What do the tools and technologies in Fahrenheit 451 tell us about the society in which Montag lives?
INSTRUCTIONS
You are to write a literary analysis essay that addresses the above essay question. Your essay should do
the following: (1) Identify three different tools or technologies that are used in the novel. (2) Describe the
tools/technologies, describe the characters who use these tools/technologies, and describe how the
tools/technologies fit into the plot. (3) Analyze and explain what these tools/technologies tell us about
the society in which Montag lives. (4) Use evidence from the text to support your analysis.
REQUIREMENTS
Length: 2 double-spaced pages (500 words). Write in essay form: make sure that your essay has an
introduction, paragraphs, and a conclusion. Include your name at the top of your essay. Check and fix
your spelling, grammar, and punctuation before you submit.

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

The novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is set in a dystopian society where books are banned, and people live in a world devoid of knowledge, imagination, and intellectual curiosity. The society in which Montag, the main character, lives is characterized by the use of various tools and technologies that provide insight into the society's values and beliefs. In this essay, we will examine three tools/technologies used in the novel and analyze what they tell us about the society in which Montag lives.

The first tool/technology we will examine is the television, which is ubiquitous in the society portrayed in Fahrenheit 451. Characters in the novel use the television as a primary source of entertainment, and it is used to disseminate government propaganda. For example, Mildred, Montag's wife, spends most of her time watching television and is completely absorbed in its programming. The television serves as a distraction from reality and reinforces the government's control over the population's thoughts and emotions. This tool/technology tells us that the society values conformity and ignorance over critical thinking and self-expression.

The second tool/technology we will examine is the mechanical hound, a robotic dog used by the government to track down and capture individuals who possess books. The mechanical hound is a tool of oppression and fear, used to intimidate the population and maintain order. It is also a symbol of the government's control over nature and the individual. Montag fears the hound and sees it as a representation of the dangers of conformity and censorship. This tool/technology tells us that the society values conformity and obedience over individuality and freedom.

The third tool/technology we will examine is the fire truck, which is used to burn books and destroy knowledge. The fire truck is an instrument of the government's power and control, and the firemen who operate it are responsible for enforcing the government's ban on books. The fire truck is also a symbol of destruction and violence, as it is used to destroy books, which are seen as dangerous and subversive. This tool/technology tells us that the society values control and conformity over knowledge and learning.

In conclusion, the tools and technologies in Fahrenheit 451 reveal much about the society in which Montag lives. The ubiquitous television reinforces conformity and ignorance, the mechanical hound is a symbol of oppression and fear, and the fire truck represents the government's power and control. These tools/technologies provide insight into the society's values and beliefs and demonstrate the dangers of conformity and censorship. The novel reminds us of the importance of critical thinking, self-expression, and the free exchange of ideas, which are essential to a healthy and vibrant society.

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