Fahrenheit 451: Differences Between Two Worlds

During the second section of the novel, Fahrenheit 451, Mildred Montag has friends, other people obsessed with watching the parlor walls, over to watch their 'families' on the parlor wall, leaving their real families behind to do the worrying; they seem to be closer to the shows on T.V, than their husbands at home; this only proves how different our world is compared to theirs. It is almost like the people on the T.V are their real friends and family; they forget about everything that is going on in the world around them, and focus on the shows. How can someone be so into T.V, that they completely ignore their loved ones, and even forget where they first met? Unfortunately, times have changed; things that are so important to us now, seem to go down the drain; the people forget these things because they no longer think or discuss, they only make small talk, and ignore their loved ones.

Guy Montag feels that his wife pays more attention to the T.V, than him; he decides to do the unthinkable, and read a book to his wife and her friends. Reading a book is illegal to normal citizens, but even more against the rules to a fireman--a man that is supposed to burn any book insight; after seeing a woman, along with her books and house, go up in flames, Montag catches the 'fever,' and starts to read--an action that horrifies his wife. While reading his book aloud, one of Mildred's friend bursts into tears. "Mrs. Phelps was crying. The others in the middle of the desert watched her crying grow very loud as her face squeezed itself out of shape. They sat, not touching her, bewildered with her display. She sobbed uncontrollably. Montag himself was stunned and shaken." (p.100) The other ladies defend Mrs. Phelps by saying that they always knew that poetry was suicide, and that the words were silly and hurtful; the ladies have no idea what the poem is about, they only know that it is against the law to read books; because of this law, and their controlled thoughts, every person there seems to think that his action was unforgivable and revolting. In our time, poetry, and other reading, is beautiful, relaxing, and a form of expressing yourself; the fact that the people cannot comprehend the reading, and that reading is an action that is unforgivable proves how our world is different than theirs, and the fact that these women enjoy T.V more than their families is completely ironic, and horrible.

The Two Majesties

Sitting here on a rock,

Looking over my kingdom,

Looking over the valleys below,

Looking over the vibrant colors in

The sunset above

I am King.

Thinking about my life,

My struggles,

My successes,

My admirers,

I am King.

I've lived a life of power,

Everybody listening,

Everybody agreeing,

Nobody speaking their mind.

I realize I’ve lead my dear kingdom,

As a ruler not leader.

I’ve gave them orders,

Not suggestions.

Sitting here on a rock,

Looking over my kingdom,

Looking over the valleys below,

Looking at the vibrant colors in

The sunset above.

I regret time I spent,

Being King.