Art and Fahrenheit 451 Essay Example
Art and Fahrenheit 451 Essay Example

Art and Fahrenheit 451 Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1258 words)
  • Published: April 19, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The book Fahrenheit 451 addresses the topic of censorship, which has been a concern for governments worldwide. Censorship occurs in various forms, ranging from the prohibition of the Bible in non-Christian nations to more recent incidents like the WikiLeaks controversy, where classified government information pertaining to global conflicts and diplomatic affairs was released to the public despite attempts at concealment. The practice of censorship is prevalent in every country.

Since Ray Bradbury's novel deals with governmental censorship of knowledge and information, it can be inferred that he wrote this book to criticize the government's control over the public. Book burning is a prevalent form of censorship that can easily suppress information, but it is also an incredibly violent method. Bradbury's portrayal of the destruction of ideas and thoughts prompted him to introduce a group

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of characters who actively commit the books' contents to memory in order to preserve those ideas.

It is a powerful image and a powerful way to combat censorship. This theme holds significance for Bradbury due to two reasons. Firstly, as a writer, he strongly opposes editors censoring the creative and original ideas of authors, as was done in the time when he published this novel. Secondly, Bradbury personally experienced the consequences of World War II and the subsequent Red Scare in the United States. This kind of environment would have made anyone question the idea of censorship. In the society created by Bradbury for Montag and his companions, there is a feeling of oppression.

Despite his wife Mildred and other characters being unaware, Clarisse, Faber, and the woman who willingly burns with her books all challenge the oppressive social structure. Understanding the knowledge

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derived from reading, they become aware of the oppressive nature of their society. Montag gradually aligns with their perspective as he explores the wisdom held within books and his once ignorant and content world transforms into one focused on survival and transformation. Hence, we can deduce (and Bradbury affirms) that the presence of technology is an even more significant motif in the books.

While numerous individuals have noted that Bradbury specifically criticized the government's censorship, he places greater emphasis on the technological element. The narrative does not delve into the specifics of how and why books were initially prohibited, but it is simple to deduce that this society consists of many individuals resembling Mildred, who spend their days engrossed by expansive television screens. The brainwashing perpetrated by the extensive entertainment system in this society is not the sole cause for concern. The technology secludes individuals and hampers the exchange of ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

The most peculiar aspect of this situation is that these individuals choose mindless television watching instead of seeking knowledge or engaging in discussions. It became evident when the public decided to stop reading books and consider them outdated. The book sparks controversy because of its highly pronounced political and social themes, which leads readers to discuss them in various ways. While some critics argue that Bradbury criticizes the government, he actually emphasizes his concern about the impact of technology rather than a sudden government action to gather and burn all literature. His work ignites an international dialogue on the intellectual decline of society. As perceptions vary, it becomes clear that the author or artist's intentions do not always align with their audience's, highlighting

the diverse nature of discussions surrounding this work. In fact, the book has even faced bans in different parts of the United States, particularly in high schools.

Concerns have been raised by certain students and their parents regarding the use of mild language in a book. Words such as "hell" and "damn" have caused objections, although it is unclear if these objections are the main issue. Some individuals oppose the novel, including a student from Caney Creek High School in Texas who complained about offensive content like "the cussing in it and the burning of the Bible." In 2006, her father Alton Verm raised this matter and argued that there was no valid justification for reading this book due to its blasphemous use of God's name.

The irony cannot be avoided, however, numerous high schools throughout the country have implemented this type of banning. The book's final and most significant theme, however, is hope and rebirth. Towards the end, amidst the destruction caused by nuclear war, government manipulation, lack of education or general knowledge, and a complete disregard for the true joys of life, hope appears with Montag leading the hobos on their return to the ruined city. The survivors, who valued intelligence above all else, begin reconstructing their world using the knowledge they had preserved. This demonstrates Bradbury's optimistic view of the future, despite initially painting a bleak picture. The city's rebirth is just as crucial as its destruction, and according to Bradbury, books hold the key to everything. It is difficult to argue against this perspective. The book's aesthetics lie in its portrayal of a futuristic and intriguing society. Although it is based on our

own, it is a world that we would never desire for ourselves.

The main objective of exceptional literature is to evoke diverse emotions in readers. Books ought to form a bond with individuals centered on the fundamental element of "feeling." Fahrenheit 451 generates a feeling of wonder and excitement that accompanies the emergence of an unfamiliar and unexplored universe. Art is often characterized as a means to express oneself and engage in communication with others. From Ray Bradbury's standpoint, this book serves as an embodiment of his perspectives on the society he resides in, specifically regarding the growing impact of entertainment during the era he envisions within this futuristic backdrop.

The author's colorful story conveys doubts, fears, and predictions, cautioning his generation about the potential consequences of misusing televisions and radios. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the true source of knowledge. The author communicates directly with his audience while still capturing the essence of science fiction. However, it is not just its expression that truly distinguishes this work as art.

The book is widely regarded as a contemporary masterpiece that appeals to individuals of all generations. It successfully and strongly captivates readers, embodying the essence of great art. People find pleasure in the book for diverse reasons, including its effortless readability, enthralling storyline, distinctive creation of a fictional world, exploration of themes like book burning and censorship, and analysis of technology's impact on humanity. The extensive readership and ongoing discussions surrounding the book serve as evidence of the delight it brings to its audience.

Novels activate the reader's senses using words. The combination of sight and imagination brings the words to life. Dialogue and the lively atmosphere

of the community represent sound. Brief phrases can evoke touch, smell, and taste, like when the woman decides to burn herself - readers can almost sense the flames, smell burning flesh, and witness her pain. This powerful imagery captivates readers, resulting in an enjoyable and interesting book.

The text discusses how Ray Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451 engages the reader's imagination and showcases Bradbury's exceptional writing style in terms of plot and character development. It emphasizes that understanding the plot and characters is the most crucial aspect of a novel. The sources cited for further information are Fahrenheit 451 Background from Grade Saver (2011) and a news article by Deborah Wrigley titled "Parent Files Complaint About Book Assigned as Student Reading," published on October 3, 2006, which can be found at http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local;id=4625303.

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