Captain Beatty in Fahrenheit 451 Essay - 962 Words

Of all literary works regarding dystopian societies, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is perhaps one of the most bluntly shocking, insightful, and relatable of them. Set in a United States of the future, this novel contains a government that has banned books and a society that constantly watches television. However, Guy Montag, a fireman (one who burns books as opposed to actually putting out fires) discovers books and a spark of desire for knowledge is ignited within him. Unfortunately his boss, the belligerent Captain Beatty, catches on to his newfound thirst for literature. A man of great duplicity, Beatty sets up Montag to ultimately have his home destroyed and to be expulsed from the city. On the other hand, Beatty is a much rounder†¦show more content†¦He simply attempts to accelerate the task and stolidly states â€Å"We’re due back at the house. Besides, these fanatics always try suicide; the pattern’s familiar† (39). Beatty’s c ruelty is soon accompanied by suspicion towards Montag, and he eventually ends up overturning Montag’s life. Although Beatty’s cruel, insidious personality makes him the quintessence of a villain, his hypocritical words and actions make him much more perplexing. Throughout the novel, Beatty proves to be a well-read person, although he adamantly opposes books. For example, when the old woman stays inside of her burning house just to be with her books, she shouts out â€Å"Play the man, Master Ridley!† (40), originally said by a man condemned to being burned at the stake for heresy in 1555. Beatty understood this quote to the extent that he knew who originally said it and even the date it was said, although he simply explained â€Å"I’m full of bits and pieces . . . most firemen have to be† (40). Later in the novel, Beatty uses his knowledge of literature to confuse Montag in attempts to dissuade him from books. Beatty perverts the original tex ts and quotes several literary works and authors to confuse Montag and at one point arrogantly states that he is â€Å"using the very books you clung to, to rebut you on every hand, on every point! You think they’re backing you up, andShow MoreRelatedCharacter Analysis of Captain Beatty (Fahrenheit 451)1404 Words   |  6 PagesBeatty, the Nearly Enlightened As fire captain, it is Captain Beatty’s job to promote and direct the eradication of knowledge and free thought within his district through the burning of books in Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451. 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