What are the gains, losses, and causes of the conflict dealt with in Fahrenheit 451?

The conflict of the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is that Guy Montag, the protagonist, wants the freedom of thought, but his society oppresses thought. Like any other great novel, the conflict has causes, gains, and loses. The causes of Guy Montag's conflict all start when he is walking home at night from his job as a firemen (Bradbury 5). On the sidewalk of his neighborhood he meets an odd teenage girl named Clarisse McClellan (Bradbury 6). Montag soon starts a conversation with her and she begins to ask him questions that make him really think (Bradbury 9). These thoughts soon make him realize what he is missing in his life and question the society in which he lives.

The conflict of this novel results in many losses for Guy Montag. The biggest loss of this conflict is that Montag has lost his naivete. He now realizes how imperfect his world and he can never go back to his old limited thought process. Never again can he follow the masses in ignorance. In addition to the loss of his ignorance, Montag loses both his wife and his home (Bradbury 114). The loss of Montag's home is a huge blow because some of his precious books were in the house still (Bradbury 117). The loss of his wife also badly hurts Montag. It seems like they are not in love, but she is still someone that has been a part of his life for a long time.

Even though Montag endures loss due to the conflict, he also gains from it. The biggest gain from the conflict is that Montag seems to find true happiness and a calling. He finds this after he escapes the city and joins some nomads that have memorized parts of books (Bradbury 151). This group shares his desire for thought and gives Montag a sense of belonging. In addition to finding happiness, Montag also gains valuable knowledge. He learns that thought is not something to despise or hate. He finds that it should be valued and abundant.

Bibliography: Bradbury, Ray. Farenheit 451. New York: Ballantine, 1953. Print