All books have one thing in common: Theme. In this novel, books are burned and against the law. Montag, a curious fireman who burns the books, is taught a thing or two about life, and the way thing should be by a mysterious girl, Clarisse. When she disappears, Montag takes the matter into his own hands. In the book Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, the author discusses many themes. Three amazing these were: the abuse of censorship, entertainment as a destructive force, and how knowledge of the past helps shape the future.
     One theme is, "Censorship is only acceptable is it is used in moderation and under the right circumstances." For example, "you can't build a house without nails and wood. If you don't want a house built, hide the nails and wood" (pg. 60-61). This shows that the government is taking censorship to an extreme and using it to gain unjust control over the people. Secondly, the people in the society feel that "if I get killed off, you just go right ahead and don't cry, but get married again, and don't think of me" (pg. 95). This quote seems to show that the people have been taught, maybe even bred, not to feel emotion. This is another form of unnecessary censorship, because no one can live a full life without feeling anything. It's like a house with no walls. Furthermore, the government says "funerals are unhappy and pagan? Eliminate them too" (pg. ) It is in this sense that people are censored from death, and all emotions that are part of death. Without the reality of death, not many can appreciate life. In conclusion, the censorship used in this society is uncalled for and misused, leading to a destructive social life.
     A second theme is: "Entertainment can be harmful and negative if it's used the wrong way," For example, when Montag was running from the city, "he felt the city rise . . . he felt the city turn to it's thousands of doorknobs . . . the people sleepwalking in their hallways . . . he felt their hands on the doorknobs! . . . the doorknobs turned on five thousand doors . . ." (pg 138-139). In this case, the radio and television is used to "hypnotize" the people; to control them and make them bend to the government's will. Entertainment is not used as a leisure activity, but as a way for the government to enlist the help of thousands upon a whim. Furthermore, the kids of the society find entertainment in "breaking windowpanes in the Window Smasher place, or wrecking cars in the Car Wrecker place" (pg. ). This is a destructive and violent activity that shows the habits and proclivities of the society. Finally, in order to release stress and relax, the people of Montag's town feel that when "you get the beetle up around ninety-five and you feel wonderful . . . you hit rabbits, sometimes you hit dogs. Go take the beetle" (pg. 64). This shows that people take out their stress, anger, and fear out on innocent animals, or even people. This is yet another destructive and hateful activity that people find entertaining. To conclude, this form of entertainment is destructive and harmful to the society, and is used in the wrong way.
     Anther theme present is: "Knowledge of the past can help mould the present and future." For instance, "we know all the damn silly thing we've done for a thousand years and as long as we know that and always have it around where we can see it, someday we'll stop making the goddamn funeral pyres and jumping in the middle of them (pg. 163). This quote shows that the people of the society have been making the same mistakes over and over. Those people, is properly educated and well read, would realize that they're making those mistakes and remember not to do it in the future. Also,"...even when we had books on hand, we didn't use that we got out of them" (pg. 164). This further proves that without knowledge of the past from books, it is nearly impossible to correct one's mistakes. In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the past to better prepare for the future.
     Without a theme, a book is dull and boring. The many themes existing in Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 help make it the exciting classic it is today. Of all the themes, the abuse of censorship, entertainment being harmful, and knowledge as power are the most important. Although this book was written well before this day and age, one has to wonder....what was Bradbury trying to say? This isn't just a book; it's an opinion of the world: if it doesn't sharpen up, we'll find ourselves in the middle of one colossal funeral pyre, holding the match.

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