Fahrenheit 451 contains the most useful passage. It describes the state of our world. These two themes are central to this book and this passage. Modernization is the dominant theme of most societies. Knowledge and wisdom are important as Guy Montag has learned from multiple people. This section was given by Captain Beatty. Because he hadn’t gone to work the day before, Captain Beatty went to Guy’s home. He wasn’t going to work, as he just destroyed a house filled with books and an old lady. Guy is puzzled as to why books were being burned down in houses. He also wonders if he was able to kill a woman. Captain Beatty arrived to speak to Guy about the matter.
This passage and the story of technology play a significant role. Beatty discusses the way technology ended the need for books. In book people are dependent on tv as their source of happiness. This is also illustrated when Beatty claims that technology, mass exploit, and minority pressure were the key to ending books (Bradbury 56). Guy is informed by Beatty that technology has been a major reason why books aren’t available anymore. Guy is aware of this because his spouse watches television all day. This is an important part of the overall plot. Captain Beatty is able to use figurative languages in the passage to explain to Guy the state of our world. In his novel, Beatty uses idioms as well as hyperboles. Guy hears Beatty say that the public spun happily because it knew what it wanted. (55). This sentence uses figurative language, “spinning happily” (55) which is an exaggeration. People were glad, but this is exaggerated. However, Guy can use hyperbole to express his happiness.
It was crucial for Guy and Beatty to understand why certain sentences were constructed and their syntax. Guy asked Beatty why firemen were necessary. He replied, “With school producing more jumpers, racers and tinkerers than critics, examiners and knowers, the word “intellectual” became the swearword it deserved to become.” (55). Guy and Beatty were surprised to see how many people he listed. This helps Beatty convince Guy that everyone is happy in the present world.
Overall, Fahrenheit 451 is well represented in the annotated book page. Technology is a central theme in the book. There are many ways to make the reader believe the population wishes to be there.
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