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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a very intellectually and philosophically engaging read. Tells us a story of a future that we fortunately have not come to yet (and hopefully will never). But when you look hard enough at the world you do see glimpses of the dystopia Bradbury imagined.
This is what every Science Fiction novel should aspire to be.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Having read this book in preparation for an educational setting, I was unsure as to what to expect of this piece. However, it is contained within its pages a boundless and very much stirring message for the times that I find myself living in. Similar in its distopian features to that of Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’, I found myself particularly moved by its depictions and forewarnings of the dangers of instant gratification and the numbing of the masses to knowledge, the pursuit of happiness and its ultimate conformity to the collective will. In a world so dominated by trends and interwoven with the instant nature of communications, one may often take it for granted and numb themself on the pleasures of the modern day. This semi-hedonistic pursuit of pleasure and what is only pleasant is well-represented in this book, and it’s grave reminder as to the importance of free thought and independence were of striking influence to me.
Similarly, its foretellings of book burnings and censorship were evocative then, in the times of McCarthyism and the Cold War, and are evocative now. Seeing the current state of the world, and the division that has so torn the world asunder, so do I find myself touched by Bradbury’s warnings against such authoritarian overreach. Even more so, did I find the discourse with regards to different groups being offended by literature quite touching as well. In a world which often sanitises its art for the sake of financial compensation, does this message ring ever true. To maintain a sense of integrity in the face of resistance and oppression is a matter of great importance, accentuated by the current state of our world. In comparison with Orwell’s ‘Nineteen-Eighty-Four’, I feel as if the warnings regarding authoritarianism are more applicable and realistic in this piece. However, I found myself somewhat more moved by Orwell’s works than Bradbury’s. But such is a matter of mere personal preference.
This is not, of course, meant to imply that there is discontent with the work of Bradbury. His characters were well-integrated, and those of the likes of Guy Montag, Captain Beatty and Clarisse were all fascinating to me. I enjoyed seeing the great contrasts between the rebeliousness of the latter and the forced compliance of Captain Beatty, and their influences on Montag. Over the course of the story, I found that Montag’s development into a rebelious soul in a world so drunken on its own easiness was quite captivating and well-developed. The consistent self-reflection and doubt over the happiness within his life, such as with his marriage, were quite interesting to experience, and I enjoy how his doubt only grows over the course of time. Overall, Bradbury’s prose and writing, in my opinion, were strongest with his characters, but the setting itself was quite intriguing in of itself.
The forewarnings told throughgout this book were evocative of the world I find myself in upon time of reading, and they have reminded me of the precious and essential nature of knowledge and independent thought. Truly, this is a read that should be compulsory in our education.
Similarly, its foretellings of book burnings and censorship were evocative then, in the times of McCarthyism and the Cold War, and are evocative now. Seeing the current state of the world, and the division that has so torn the world asunder, so do I find myself touched by Bradbury’s warnings against such authoritarian overreach. Even more so, did I find the discourse with regards to different groups being offended by literature quite touching as well. In a world which often sanitises its art for the sake of financial compensation, does this message ring ever true. To maintain a sense of integrity in the face of resistance and oppression is a matter of great importance, accentuated by the current state of our world. In comparison with Orwell’s ‘Nineteen-Eighty-Four’, I feel as if the warnings regarding authoritarianism are more applicable and realistic in this piece. However, I found myself somewhat more moved by Orwell’s works than Bradbury’s. But such is a matter of mere personal preference.
This is not, of course, meant to imply that there is discontent with the work of Bradbury. His characters were well-integrated, and those of the likes of Guy Montag, Captain Beatty and Clarisse were all fascinating to me. I enjoyed seeing the great contrasts between the rebeliousness of the latter and the forced compliance of Captain Beatty, and their influences on Montag. Over the course of the story, I found that Montag’s development into a rebelious soul in a world so drunken on its own easiness was quite captivating and well-developed. The consistent self-reflection and doubt over the happiness within his life, such as with his marriage, were quite interesting to experience, and I enjoy how his doubt only grows over the course of time. Overall, Bradbury’s prose and writing, in my opinion, were strongest with his characters, but the setting itself was quite intriguing in of itself.
The forewarnings told throughgout this book were evocative of the world I find myself in upon time of reading, and they have reminded me of the precious and essential nature of knowledge and independent thought. Truly, this is a read that should be compulsory in our education.
tense
medium-paced
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While there were several quotes I found thought provoking. The idea behind the book (hidden well within a very dry and boring story) I can get behind. Reading this as an adult validated the teen in me that could not get through it. The concept of life being void of meaningful connection to ourselves and others in a world too distracted and apathetic towards knowledge and emotion rings true but if you did not already know that is what the book is trying to get across I don’t know that it would portray this message at all.
challenging
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes