Transformation in 1984 and Fahrenheit 451

Victoria Basso

Ms. Dachuck

ENG 3U1

12 June 2015

Transformation in 1984 and Fahrenheit 451

         “The only journey is the one within” (Rainer Maria Rilke). In 1984 by George Orwell and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the journey that will lead to their transformation begins with the influence of outside perspectives. In societies where people are resentful towards totalitarian governments, women and mentors have the ability to orchestrate rebellion in certain individuals and develop a peaceful mindset. This transformation that leads people into seeking their own free will is evidently shown through the lives of Winston Smith and Guy Montag. Before the influence of women and mentors, their feeling regarding there lives changes. However, once they allowed themselves to be influenced, their minds became clear and they realized the lack of substance they were missing.

        In the society where the government claims absolute power, people become resentful with their present circumstances. Montag and Winston’s internal conflicts both stem from their lack of understanding regarding their lifestyle. Though they both share feelings of animosity towards their current situation, their outlook on life differs. Winston is revealed as a person disgruntled with his life and is constantly filled with paranoia and fear that Big Brother is watching his every move. The first time he encounters Julia he immediately assumes she is a member of the thought police. His mistrust

and hostility towards her is demonstrated when he states, “I wanted to rape you and then murder you afterwards. Two weeks ago I thought seriously of smashing your head in with a cobble-stone” (Orwell 127). Although Winston recognizes that he is unhappy, he does nothing to change his circumstances as he fears the consequences that the government may impose upon him. In contrast, Guy lives an unexciting life with no aspirations, yet he claims he is happy and has no ambition to change. His laid-back attitude and undisturbed mind is revealed when he states, “It’s fine work. Monday burn Millay, Wednesday Whitman, Friday Faulker, burn ‘em to ashes, then burn the ashes. That’s our official slogan” (Bradbury 8). Montag lacks emotion towards the government and goes through the motions of work, therefore remaining complacent. Both characters demonstrate opposing attitudes towards their lives and their government, however, are unaware of the possibilities that life has to offer.

        In both novels we observe female characters with strong opinions that influence each of the protagonists to view their lives and society in a different context. In 1984, Winston becomes rebellious through his sexual relationship with Julia. Her sexuality easily intrigues Winston to be influenced by her. This is revealed in their first conversation as he states, “Listen. The more men you’ve had, the more I love you. Do you understand that?” (Orwell 132). He is enticed by her “lack of purity” as he wants society to be corrupt. Also, his sexual relationship with her goes against his government’s rules, as they are not permitted to have any feelings of love or lust. Thereby, he demonstrates being rebellious by being attracted to Julia because she is

different from the norm in his society. She symbolizes the unknown, which he is interested to know more about. Likewise, in Fahrenheit 451, Montag doubts his happiness after conversing with Clarisse. By asking him, “Are you happy?” (Bradbury 10), he comes to the realization that he has never been happy. He continuously thinks about his conversation with her, and states, “I don’t know anything any more” (Bradbury 18) which leads us to believe that he has been influenced by Clarisse’s questioning. Even though Montag does not have a close relationship with Clarisse, like Winston has with Julia, he feels a non-sexual connection with her and is persuaded by her. He looks forward to their conversations and pursues her since she challenges him unlike his wife Mildred, who never encourages conversations with him nor challenges his thoughts. Thereby, it is evident that the protagonists, who had strong opinions, were easily influenced by women who challenged their thoughts or values and made them realize the lack of substance in their lives.