I first discovered the world of “Fahrenheit 451” half awake during my 10th grade English class. It was my first encounter with such an advanced piece of literature so the contents of it were foreign in my head. And my fatigue most certainly did not help.
But little did I know that this book would soon become my all-time favorite because of the powerful message it echoes.
“Fahrenheit 451” written by Ray Bradbury is set in a dystopian future where housing the printed book is illegal. Rarely anyone dares to commit this crime because breaking this rule would mean your book and house are bound to meet flames.
But this story isn’t about living in a world without books. Deep down, this narrative unpacks the growing disconnect in our society, the lack of genuine connection and the misfortune behind superficiality.
Many souls in the “Fahrenheit 451” universe live under the reign of the bleak and bland. But one eccentric 17 year old by the name of Clarisse McClellan has managed to break free from this spell.
Clarisse brings color in a world of black and white. Her curiosity and thirst stir up questions and challenge standard human thought. She was the catalyst for change in protagonist Guy Montag’s character.
Montag is a fireman tasked with the responsibility of destroying any reported book.
He pays no mind to the detriment his actions leave, and he comes home to his superficial and dull life every day.
But his world is turned upside down when he meets Clarisse. He begins to question his purpose and lifestyle, and this ultimately culminates to be a turning point in his life.
Like Montag, nearly every civilian is caught up in their own world, but Clarisse stays present in the moment. She’s confident when asking questions and unhesitant when sharing her thoughts.
She is the living definition of depth in a surface-level world.
She is everything I aspire to be, especially when the world we’re living in mirrors Clarisse’s native land so dangerously.
I mean, haven’t you noticed? Conversations rarely go past “How are you?” and “Have a great day!”
If they do surpass the typical hellos and goodbyes, the dialogue is largely centered around gossip and small talk. Others avoid conversation entirely by doomscrolling on their devices instead.
It feels as if we’re clumped together, but we all live miles apart.
That is simply because we’ve buried ourselves in the surface level of everything.
We’ve grown so comfortable with casual talk and shallow intimacy, leaving us with hollow conversations, empty bonds and a societal void.
Why do we not seek more in our everyday lives?
Why are we complacent with no evolution or growth?
The answer is uncertain. But the solution is crystal clear despite all of the debris and fumes we’re getting swallowed by.
Be like Clarisse. Light every spark of curiosity with more fuel. Ask questions, engage yourself in deep conversations and thirst for knowledge.
Put your phone down and find quiet in this busy world we live in.
Get into the nooks and crannies of the ugly and beautiful parts of life, and be comfortable getting lost in that.
Don’t be afraid to speak up in a silent room.
L
et yourself drown in depth. But most importantly, don’t let the flames of superficiality and intolerance consume you.
