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Fahrenheit 451 Dissatisfaction Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"Hell!" the operator's cigarette moved on his lips. "We get these cases nine or ten a night. Got so many, starting a few years ago, we had the special machines built." (1.98)

This is the first hint we get that all is not hunky-dory in the future. But Mildred’s quick recovery also proves that such dissatisfaction is repressed, kept below the surface.

Quote #2

"Let me alone," said Mildred. "I didn't do anything."

"Let you alone! That's all very well, but how can I leave myself alone? We need not to be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while. How long is it since you were really bothered? About something important, about something real?" (1.558-9)

Fahrenheit 451 reminds us that there are no highs without the lows. Montag can not ever be happy because he’s never been sad.

Quote #3

"If you don't want a house built, hide the nails and wood. If you don't want a man unhappy politically, don't give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none." (1.627)

It is this very lack of options that leaves Montag so unhappy. Books may be challenging, but the alternative is a brainless void – hardly satisfying to the individual.