State exam in literature for master’s students

Štěpánka Nárovcová

457988

The Contrast of Hedonistic and Eudaimonic Happiness in Fahrenheit 451 as a Catalyst

for Guy Montag’s Transformation

In a dystopian setting where genuine happiness is often overlooked, understanding of the

characters’ perceptions of this elusive concept plays a crucial role. The analysis seeks to explore
the contrasting interpretations of happiness—eudaimonic and hedonistic—embodied by the
characters Clarisse and Mildred, examining their roles in Guy Montag’s transformative journey.
The analysis suggests that the encounter with the stark contrast between the two different kinds
of happiness becomes a pivotal catalyst for Montag’s transformation, propelling him toward
rebellion and a eudaimonic pursuit of truth and individuality. Mildred, and initially also
Montag, personify products of hedonistic society marked by shallow pursuit of happiness
through material possessions. Yet, Clarisse introduces Montag to an alternative, eudaimonic
concept of happiness associated with living a meaningful life involving intellectual freedom.
This introduction acts as a transformative force, guiding Montag from a conformist, pleasure-
seeking individual to a critical thinker and rebel against the oppressive regime.

Annotated bibliography:

Rafeeq O. McGiveron. (1998). “To Build a Mirror Factory”: The Mirror and Self-
Examination in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, Critique: Studies in Contemporary
Fiction, 39:3, 282-287. DOI:10.1080/00111619809599536.

This article explores the concept of the mirror-like effect as portrayed by Clarisse and Mildred
in Fahrenheit 451. It explores different types of metaphorical mirrors in the novel, beginning
with the reflection of books that Montag fails to reflect, and his wife’s mirror that he cannot see
at first due to her seamless integration into his routine.

In my presentation, I draw attention mainly to the passages where the author emphasizes
Clarisse as the first mirror that prompts self-reflection in Montag. Through her mirror, Montag
confronts truths that he would otherwise overlook, realizing the facade of his happiness and
subsequently discarding it. Clarisse’s probing questions lead Montag towards self-discovery
and new values. Conversely, his wife Mildred represents as a different type of mirror – a
reflection with less idealism and shallow concept of happiness.

Atasoy, Emrah. (2021). ‘‘Happiness and Hedonism in Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451’’.
Journal of the Faculty of Letters, 11:21, 49-58. DOI:10.33207/trkede.751993.

The author of this article argues that there are diverse interpretations of happiness in Bradbury’s
narrative. One perspective is embodied by Clarisse, characterized by genuine happiness, and
the other is the hedonistic form of happiness dictated by the state. The government demands its
citizens to embrace this utilitarian hedonism, discouraging questions and fostering self-
indulgence.

In my presentation, I highlight the passages that explore the contrasting perceptions of real
happiness and hedonism in Fahrenheit 451. While citizens like Mildred conform to the state-
prescribed hedonistic happiness, Clarisse stands apart in her quest for alternative genuine
happiness that I term ‘eudaimonic’ in my analysis.

Jonathan R. Eller and William F. Touponce (2008). “The Simulacrum of Carnival:

Fahrenheit 451”. Bloom’s Modern Critical Interpretations: Fahrenheit 451 - New Edition,
91-114. New York: Infobase Publishing.

This chapter provides an overview of the influences shaping Guy Montag’s evolution
throughout the narrative, documenting the shifts in his attitudes and opinions towards various
elements, which serves as a base for my analysis of his transformation.

Within this context, I draw on the author’s claims that Clarisse emerges as a pivotal figure,
serving as Montag’s inaugural mentor. She metaphorically teaches him to fly, leaving him to
reflect on his experiences independently. The author claims that this encounter fundamentally
alters Montag’s perspective, putting new values on objects. As a result, his eyes become hungry
for images that Clarisse awakened within him, serving as a noteworthy manifestation of his
evolving values.