Fahrenheit 451 Literary Analysis

Introduction

All these themes, dystopian society, censorship, and freedom of the individual, are addressed in the 1967 Vineyard Films' (Universal) version of Fahrenheit 451. Although the film reiterates the themes and basis of the book, there are many differences to contrast.

How Does the Meaning of the Text Change When Scenes are Cut, Added or Changed In Some Way?

The meaning of the text change when scenes are cut, added or changed because of the demands and the requirements of scenes and the films.

In examining the film and novel, one important item to note is that the same actress, Julie Christie, plays both Linda (Mildred's name in the film) and Clarisse. When looking at this casting decision, one can deduce that the film director, Frances Truffault, purposefully made this decision to show the audience that the women are similar in the way that they cannot continue as they are in the present society. Although the two women are dramatically different in their beliefs, Montag continually searches for signs of Clarisse's energy and enthusiasm in his wife. Montag, is not focusing upon their physical appearance; he's instead trying to find the internal wisdom and soul of the two women that he sees (Reid, pp. 34-37).

Unfortunately, Clarisse dies in the book when Montag begins to understand her. However, in the film, Clarisse survives and, in fact, becomes his teacher (she, in a way, replaces the character of Faber from the book who doesn't appear in the film). She is the character who guides Montag to the book people hiding in the woods outside the city.

Why were the Changes Made?

Film needs to be attractive and fascinating. It should reflect the societal norms and traditions and at the same time it should allure the audience. These are some of the reasons why changes made were ...