First, Guy Montag is a fireman who starts fires instead of putting them out. The society in which he lives focuses on the burning of books to avoid conflicting opinions. They do not read books, think on their own, or go outside and enjoy nature. Instead, they spend their time watching TV, and listening to the radio. After Montag meets Clarisse, he realizes how empty his life is, and he recognizes the faults of his society. When he becomes curious of the books which he is supposed to be burning, he finds himself risking everything he has to find out more. Atticus Finch lives in a southern community of racist people. Although he himself is not racist, he finds himself trying to deter his children from the faults of their town. He is a lawyer who is representing a black man in a rape trial. He risks his life to stand up for what is right, and sets a good example for his children. Even though he proves the man is innocent, he loses his case because some of the other people in his town still have racism in their minds. Both of these men put their lives at risk to stand up for what is just.
In addition to the similarities of the two characters in these novels, the books’ themes in general can be easily compared. In both of these novels, the public refuses to see what they have not been taught to see. If they do not wish to see what they believe is wrong, then they shall not see it at all. Although Bradbury’s book deals with censorship, and Lee’s novel is more focused on racism, the books are alike because they deal with issues that effect our lives every day. People, who are taught to think a certain way, will have a difficult time thinking otherwise.
In conclusion, the novel Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, can be compared to the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. Both of these novels, like Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, deal with the fact that people are unwilling to see what they do not wish to see. They ignore their own faults because they do not feel that they are ever wrong. The characters Guy Montag and Atticus Finch both stand up for what is right, even if it is risking all they have worked for, and even if it is risking their lives.
In Montag's second meeting with Clarisse, the two of them find a dandelion and Clarisse tells Montag of rubbing it under his chin. Clarisse explains " If it rubs off, it means I'm in love "(22). Clarisse rubs the dandelion under Montag's chin and Clarisse remarks "What a shame, you're not in love with anyone " (22). Montag thinks that he is in love, but realizes that he
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