Fahrenheit 451 And 1984 - The Fear Of Utopia Essay -- Ray Bradburys F

Several contrasting frames of mind have played defining roles in shaping humanity finished egress the twentieth century. philosophical optimism of a bright future held by humanity in general was taken advantage of by the promise of a better life through sacrifice of individuality to the state. In the books Brave New World, 1984, and Fahrenheit 451 clear opposition to these subtle entrapments was voiced in similarly convincing ways. They first every last(predicate) established, to varying degrees of balance, the atmosphere and seductiveness of the utopia and the fear of the consequences of acting in the non-prescribed way through character development. A single character is alienated because of their inability to conform a great deal in protest to the forced conditions of happiness and well being. Their struggle is to hide this fact from the states relentless supervision of (supposedly) everything. This leads them to eventually come into conflict with some hand of the state whic h serves as the authors voice presenting the reader with the absurdity of the principles on which the society is based. The similar fear of the states abuse of indicant and technology at the expense of human individuality present within these novels speaks to the relevance of these novels within their historical context and their usefulness for awakening people to the frightening consequences of their ignorance.In these novels the main characters are, or become, unable to conform to the societys standards. These characters represent the authors view of the utopia as they see it with the veil of ignorance removed. In 1984, for instance, we start out with a character, Winston, who is constantly observing the ironies of the world about him. Through his job at the ministry of truth, he becomes a hand of the state, creating fiction to support its endeavors Comrade Ogilvy, unimagined an hour ago, was now a fact he would exist just as authentically as Charlemange and Julius Caesar. (1 984, p54) As the book progresses he becomes more cognizant of his individuality and eventually is unable to hide it. Similarly in Fahrenheit 451, Montag becomes aware of problems with his society, but not logically - emotionally. It disturbs him greatly when a medical police squad that helps his wife appear and disappear within a matter of minutes There are too many of us, he thought. There are billions of us and thats too many. Nobo... ...n Brave New World , John, a savage not raised by the society asks the world leader, Mustapha Mond, why they do not show films like Othello. Mustapha cites that not showing that kind of film is the price we have to pay for stability. As well, he speaks of the necessity for different classes of people to be in operation, even though more efficient methods through science exist. The prime directive of all these utopias is to pacify their public and either thrill them with the corporate being of a nation, or sedate them with excitement and drugs. T he authors therefor saw the utopian societies to be a trap for weak minded publics, and that once in place, such systems would be able to perpetuate indefinitely due to the efficiency at which they protect and propagate themselves. Through fear, diversion and sedation the utopia can follow a strong grip on the people it encompasses before anyone realizes the sacrifices made. The popularity of these books does rule out the possibility of such a society coming into existence in the future, however. The state of people is not about to change, and their ignorance will continue regardless of the harshness of the wake up calls issued.