Habib Ullah

Ms. Williams-Arnold

English Language Arts 10-Honors

5 April 2018

A History of Common Myths

Since biblical times, humans developed myths. Stories of worldly proportions involving a

hero and his turbulent journey. They usually are on a quest facing many trials. In Ray Bradbury’s

“Fahrenheit 451” our main character, Montag goes on a quest of meaning. Ray Bradbury told the

story though mythological attributes; hence, empowering the theme. (compound) Interesting, he

uses a woman, to inspire our hero. This woman, Clarisse rejects societal norms and thus inspires

our main character’s quest of “self-discovery”.

Montag’s very first influential encounter in the book was with Clarisse. This establishes

her role as the mythological muse. She possessed a unique attitude of appreciating the world

because most people lived in a perpetual state of melancholy. (complex) She was considered

“eccentric” in the setting; conversely, today she would be normal due to the fact that we don’t

live in a dystopia. (compound-complex) This will later play a huge role in the theme. Her attitude

is evident as she said, “I’m seventeen and I’m crazy” on page 4. Because of Montag’s encounter

with Clarisse he began to question his own morals and ideals. As such, Montag begins reading

books to find purpose. He comes realization and sets out to discredit firemen to change society.

Ray Bradbury though the use of Montag and Clarisse advances the story and portrays the

theme. The theme is to be yourself and don’t let society dictate your actions. We witnessed the
tribulations Montag faced and his realizations. Humanity can really learn from “Fahrenheit 451”.

We should advocate a society which differences are encouraged, or we might just loose our very

humanity.