Student Question
In Fahrenheit 451, what argument is Bradbury making on pages 91-92?
Quick answer:
On pages 91-92 of Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury argues that merely possessing books won't change society; true change requires valuing literacy and individual freedom. As Montag realizes, switching from one controlling force to another is futile without the ability to think and act independently. The fight against censorship must include fostering a society that values personal freedom and intellectual growth.
Tensions are building by pages 91-92 in Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. This is the point in the novel when a fireman and a professor decide to take action to save Montag from getting arrested for having books and to reintroduce books into society. To start, Faber plants a listening device in Montag's ear so the two of them can communicate with each other without anyone knowing. This will allow Faber to help Montag to compete verbally with Captain Beatty who has a quick wit and a tricky tongue. Then, after saving Montag from Beatty, they hope to start printing reading materials again so they can eventually reintroduce literacy back into society. Faber even asks Montag for some money for materials to restart an old printing press.Â
As Montag heads home, he feels conflicted with what he's doing, though. Montag is embarking on a mission that could cost him his life...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
even before a war starts. Montag pauses to talk to Faber by saying the following:
"I'm not thinking. I'm just doing like I'm told, like always. You said get the money and I got it. I didn't really think of it myself. When do I start working things out on my own?. . . I don't want to change sides and just be told what to do. There's no reason to change if I do that" (92).
The argument could be that just having books won't change the world or bring a person a better life, but it can help. It takes time to learn and progress from reading books, and if society doesn't change along with Montag's educational transformation, then the fight for change is worthless. If Montag simply goes from one controlling society into another, then they haven't solved the censorship problem. Therefore, censorship by book burning is only part of the problem. Society also needs to value literacy and a person's freedom to think and to act for themselves as well. Without the freedom to think and act for oneself after reading a book, then books remain useless.