Inside he is changing but he continues with his life as much as he can. Beatty accuses Montag of being a hopeless romantic and does his best to convince Montag there is nothing in books that could benefit man. Beatty also blames a large part of Montag's "problem" on his encounters with Clarisse, who was "better of dead" (64). This attitude is a stark contrast with Faber and his beliefs. Faber realizes Montag's situation and tells him that what he needs can be found in books. He says, "There is nothing magical in them at all. The magic is only in what books say" (89-90). He admits something useful can be found in books and that is how they are valuable to us. We learn from others and their experiences, Faber tells him. He also tells him books "remind us what fools and asses we are" (93). Faber also encourages Montag to be his own person. He tells him to be observant and "don't ask for guarantees. And don't look to be saved by any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving" (93). Faber was feeding Montag's desire to know and learn. Fear was diminished by desire and with the guidance of Faber, Montag could see a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Montag's transformation is apparent when he kills Beatty. By this time in the novel, Montag's loyalty was with Faber and their plan. He chooses to be a rebel and not a robot in this scene. Montag does not seek anything from the government or the society. Instead, he wants to be the cause of change; he wants to teach others the truth and help them avoid a life of misery....

Montag realizes his purpose and is full of just as much passion as the old woman who burned for her beliefs. When Montag joins the new society, we see that his change is complete. He finds solace with others who are like-minded and emerges from the river reborn. He is a different man here, protecting books and preserving knowledge. That he has no real security is no concern because he made the right decisions to arrive at this place in his life.
Fahrenheit 451 is a story of transformation and rebirth. Montag experiences the chance of a lifetime when he listen to his inner self as opposed to the larger voices of the government looming all around. It is from the help of a little girl that Montag can thank the beginning of his change. Through the eyes of a child, his intellect is sparked and from there, Montag moves in a direction that takes him away from the protective arm of the government. After questioning simple things such as happiness, Montag faces the old woman who chooses to burn with her books than live without them This forces him to question passion. He realizes he has no happiness and no passion and through his conversations with Faber, Montag realizes his desires are not silly but indeed sensible. Change is usually gradual and Bradbury demonstrates through Montag how human evolution begins with a simple step. At the end of the novel, Montag is something he can truly be proud of -- he is a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

Work Cited

Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New…