Saturday, September 26, 2015

Why are the McClellans seen as peculiar in Fahrenheit 451?

The McClellans are looked down upon in the society because
they do not conform to the idea of good citizens. They like to sit around
together, as a family, and talk. Clarisse also likes to go for walks on her own, rather
than driving cars at killer speeds (popular among teenagers in the book).

In the novel, nearly everyone spends their free time either driving with the intent of
killing animals- or possibly people- or watching the TV walls installed in every house.
Montag's wife is upset, because they can only afford 3 walls of screens, instead of 4
like her friends. But the McClellans don't do any of that. They enjoy discussing simple
things, like how their days were, or debating complex issues like politics and ethics.
Clarisse's uncle is particularly peculiar in the eyes of others, and he has the biggest
influence on her development. Thus, when Montag meets her, she is the most unique person
he has ever encountered. Unfortunately, this individuality almost certainly results in
her death, as she is rumored to be struck by a car while out for a walk. Consequently,
her family disappears. There is no room for dissent in this dystopian
world.

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