Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Body Paragraph 2


            The need to make a mark on the world is an idea that permeates throughout Fahrenheit 451 and Divergent. Both Tris and Guy adapt to the idea that they need to make a mark on the world, as well as a change in society in order to make a difference.  “Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you're there” (62). Montag conveys his need to leave a mark and change something in a society that he believes is corrupt. By stating that everyone “must leave something behind,” Montag further exemplifies his fear of not being remembered. Similarly, in Divergent, Tris is torn between choosing her family and her faction. “It’s my choice now, no matter what the test says.  Abnegation.  Dauntless.  Erudite.  Divergent.” (26) Tris declaring that it is “her choice” as to what faction she chooses further demonstrates that she will not conform to society’s rules and expectations. Both Tris and Guy view a lack of education as ignorance, leading to need to revolt and become ones own person before society corrupts and destroys them. “If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn” (56). Montag depicts that ignorance is necessary to improve oneself and that it is the way to enlightenment. Tris and Guy both view the lack of knowledge as an ability to learn and improve oneself before society becomes so accustomed with following rules that as one it conforms into extensions of the government.

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