The Search for Happiness in Fahrenheit 4

Hwang 2 Table of Contents Introduction............................................................................................................................4 First Body Paragraph .............................................................................................................5 Second Body Paragraph.........................................................................................................5 Third Body Paragraph............................................................................................................6 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................7

Hwang 3 Outline I. Introduction II. First Body Paragraph A. Clarissas courage B. Fabers courage C. Montags courage II. Second Body Paragraph III. Third Body Paragraph IV. Conclusion

Hwang 4 Eunkyeong Hwang Mrs. Panks Genre Literature 10 August 2011 The Search for Happiness in Fahrenheit 451 Introduction Of course Im happy. What does she think? Im not? is the irritated response of the protagonist, Guy Montag, when he expresses his feelings after his new neighbor, Clarisse, questions his happiness. This one confrontation impacts his life and allows the story to unfold. In Ray Bradburys novel Fahrenheit 451, the citizens of the twenty-fourth century suffer under the governments censorship of books because they are deprived of literature and the many qualities that are born from books. This causes most people to not care for books, become obsessed technology, or to become too afraid to show their love for literature. The government instills firemen, like Guy Montag, who burn the illegal books and the homes of the people who hide these books. Guy Montag starts off this novel by meeting his new neighbor Clarisse, who causes him to doubt his own happiness, society, and people he once held dear, which includes his boss Beatty and his dull wife Mildred. After seeing an old lady burn herself with her books, Montag no longer holds back these doubts, reveals his hidden book stash, and even asks a retired English professor named Faber for help, placing them both in potential danger. His decisions are often influenced by Clarisse, an eccentric girl who makes Montag broaden his perspective on life, and by Faber, who is later revealed to be a very great companion to Montag. Other characters like Mildred, Montags wife who betrays him, and Beatty, a witty fireman who poses as a threat to Montag, both acts as antagonists in this novel. Throughout all of this, Montags
student 8/12/11 4:26 PM Comment: A little too crowded with thoughts. Maybe it wouldve been smarter to separate these sentences. student 8/12/11 4:30 PM Deleted: in the books student 8/12/11 4:31 PM Deleted: usually student 8/12/11 4:28 PM Deleted: to work to burn student 8/12/11 4:32 PM Deleted: where student 8/12/11 4:32 PM Deleted: happiness is questioned by his new neighbor, Clarisse

Hwang 5 lack of joy is depicted frequently throughout the story. His desperate run towards happiness is also shown. In this novel, Bradburys opinion that courage to defend ones principles, emotional relationships of individuals, and the awareness of ones surroundings are essential components of true happiness is clearly demonstrated. First Body Paragraph Immense courage is especially displayed in this novel and in many of the characters in various ways. One such way is how Clarisse continuously doubts Montag in the first half of the book by saying that Youre (Montag) not in love with anybody and It (his love) doesnt show. Clarisse openly shares her doubts of Montags love despite Montags denials. Her ability to stand up for her beliefs and opinions takes strength because she will probably often be met with people who will disagree. Another way courage is shown is through Fabers newfound confidence around the middle of the book when he explains, I feel alive for the first time in years. He feels an overwhelming amount of youthful energy after having lived his life full of regret. The sudden difference in his life lets him finally be set free of the shadows of fear and feel more alive by standing up for what he should have a long time ago. In addition, Montag is a great example of courage when he does not suppress his new ideas, but acts upon them by taking more books, talking to Clarisse, asking lots of questions, and trying to look for Faber. Although he faced so many dangers by acting so suspiciously, he tries to truly embrace his hopeless romantic self and tries to work towards a future he will be more satisfied with. To truly be who one is a frightening thing to do anywhere because most are afraid of being judged. Montags overall bravery, as well as everyone elses courage, made up a significant portion of the book and the characters satisfaction with their lives. Second Body Paragraph
student 8/12/11 8:10 AM Comment: This part sounds a little awkward. There should be more of a flow. Also, there should be something after the word disagree. It feels cut off.

Hwang 6 Along with courage, love and relationships are emphasized within in the novel. In this novel, the main characters only family seems to be his wife Clarisse, who only cares about her seashells and doesnt even remember how they met, specifically saying, Funny, how funny, not to remember where or when you met your husbands wife. Mildred, despite being his wife, causes him great unhappiness and distress, especially when he reveals his book collection to her. This shows that healthy relationships with family could be a crucial aspect of ones level of cheerfulness. Montag is also very attached to Clarisse, even saying that his routine had been disturbed when Clarisse disappeared. Clarisse was the first person to make Montag want to wake up and realize his own unhappiness with his life, causing him to be determined to find a road towards happiness. She influences his actions and always made his days more interesting and less empty. Faber, his other companion, fulfilled Montags necessity for the strange warmness and goodness that came from a familiar gentle voice speaking in the night. He always seems to run toward Faber whenever he needs a sense of security and happiness because Faber was someone he could trust. Faber allowed Montag to not feel so alone by being one of his only allies in a sea of enemies. Relationships, love, and influential figures in ones life cannot only change ones mood, but all of ones decisions in ones life as well. Third Body Paragraph Truly being aware of ones situation and surroundings helps one see the details in life that make life truly matter. Montag shows his search for these little things when he says, We have everything we need to be happy, but we arent happy. Somethings missing. Because Montag feels this emptiness, he goes looking for something like books to fill these small gaps, realizing that it is the small things in life that make ones life whole. He knows that even though he has all the big, important things, he still needs to find the equally important little things in order to fulfill
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Hwang 7 his happiness. Additionally, Faber mentions the little things as well by saying that The magic is only in what books say, how they stitched the patches of the universe together into one garment for us. He explains that these little magical things arent found exclusively in books. This basically symbolizes that satisfaction and happiness can be found not only in books, but in a variety of places. Another character who appreciates the details in life is Clarisse, who even tastes the rain and says that the rain tastes just like wine. She grasps the details surrounding us, making her contentment with the world increase. She lives a happier life, even when the government is attempting to oppress everyone elses imaginations. Genuinely understanding the details surrounding them allows the characters to appreciate life and live happier lives. Conclusion Different ways to reach happiness are hinted at in this novel. These ways are being able to stand up for ones beliefs, having healthy relationships with others, and being aware of the details in life. Having courage to defend ones opinions allows one to embrace what one truly believes in, enabling them to rid themselves of pretending and lies. Relationships with other individuals also influence your level of joy as well as ones future decisions. In addition, details surrounding us act like magic to truly bring happiness together. From the beginning to the end, Montag questions his happiness, bringing the readers along with him throughout his journey. In the end, one may still want to ask Clarisses old, simple question, Are you happy?
student 8/12/11 4:33 PM Deleted: relationships student 8/12/11 4:33 PM Deleted: others ,and

Hwang 8 References Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Ballantine Books, 1996. Print.