Irony of Passion

After reading this section of the novel, Fahrenheit 451, I’ve discovered something. Montag has found a passion—his opportunity to make a difference through what he is most interested in. Though he has put himself in quite a bit of danger, he’s had a change of heart. This “drug” could just as well not be a “drug”. Maybe, just maybe, he’s found the answer to saving what is true. Back before Montag’s time people were granted their knowledge. They went to school and learned of places, people, and ideas that were again thought of later in life. Only because people questioned or found anger against some of these lessons, were they taken away. Some saw it as a gift; there was no more questioning and no more rage over such ideas. Although, others found out that maybe it wasn’t such a blessing. People were encouraged not to think anymore—not to have an opinion of their own. Without this, life is boring and pointless. This is what Montag discovered. It was apparent to him he did not have happiness. “Happiness is important. Fun is everything. And yet I kept sitting there saying to myself, I’m not happy, I’m not happy.” (pg 65) An emptiness in his heart was longing to be filled. He needed more out of his life. Continuously, he went on about his regular schedule, finding no excitement or passion. Then his mind was opened to the land of ideas and imagination. The words he read off a simple page found meaning in his heart.

By stealing these books he felt that sense of guilt but also he discovered knowledge and freedom of thought. He could not tell why he felt so led to do what was so wrong but obviously it was important to him; it was his passion. Through Faber he found that maybe he could actually make a difference. It is completely ironic that a man that lives to destroy books finds passion in them.