Intro Paragraph: Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury’s, Fahrenheit 451, published in 1951, is a dystopian novel that takes place in a futuristic American society. Throughout Fahrenheit 451, there is a reoccurring question of conformity as opposed to individuality. The need to find self-identity without becoming an outlaw within society is also depicted. Unlike traditional firemen, who are expected to save burning houses, Guy Montag is employed to burn books as well as the possessions of those who read them. Bradbury constantly calls into question devotion to society and how much the citizens are willing to alter their own beliefs in order to conform. Guy Montag, however, does not conform, but rather he stands firmly by his belief of performing traditional firemen duties. This re-emphasizes the question of how devoted to certain rules one must be before they become their own person and as a result, revolt. Much like in Veronica Roth’s novel, Divergent, the main character, Tris, has uncertainties regarding the faction in which she will join. The struggle for self-identity as a motif flows throughout Fahrenheit 451 as Bradbury illustrates through Guy’s decision to revolt, not conform, and ultimately break free.