Susie Snowflake
E 319 (1)
Independent Novel Research Paper
Monday, March 10th, 2014
A Heroic Search for Identity
I. Introduction to a Character Analysis of Ray Bradbury’s Guy Montag
A. Modern day Americans have come to identify a hero as a person who consistently displays bravery, strength, and courage in
the face of any adverse situation. This archetypal hero strikes an imposing figure physically, as well as displays intellectual prowess
and, quite often, dashing good looks and charming wit.
B. With his classic dystopic title, Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury examines how and why such a quintessentially beloved heroic
character would choose to turn away from a powerful leadership role in society.
C. With his creation of the iconic protagonist Guy Montag, Bradbury teaches his readers that the most fulfilling life is one lead
with clear moral principles and an overriding dedication to self-improvement.
II. Body Paragraph One
A. Although Guy Montag appears to possess all of the traits of a courageous character at the opening of Bradbury’s text, he actually
begins the novel as a flawed and fearful character. It is only through his dedication to improving his life that he begins to
transform into a truly heroic protagonist.
B. Guy’s perceived “happiness” at the opening of the novel
1.
“It was a pleasure to burn” (Bradbury 1).
a. With this dramatic opening scene, Bradbury presents Montag to his readers at a character completely in
TAKE NOTE: Quote #1
control of and happy with his current situation in life.
comes from primary source &
b. These ideas related to Bradbury’s intent for his text’s exposition are echoed in Harvard Professor Patty
quote #2 from literary
Smith’s analysis of the text and its main character.
criticism/research source…
2. “Bradbury’s main character opens the novel decidedly “blind” to the world around him. He thinks he is happy because
he simply knows no other way of living his life or, quite frankly, of feeling” (Smith 12).
a. Guy Montag is a trapped character at the opening of the novel—he is trapped by his wife, his home, his
occupation, his status in society and, most significantly, by his ignorance.
b. At the conclusion of the text’s exposition, Montag is primed to make a significant change in his current life.
C. Although he seems to be inherently flawed at the opening of the novel, Montag transforms into a true hero over the course of the
text.
VI. Conclusion
A. Although he may not satisfy the criteria of the most celebrated of heroes in American society, Montag is a truly heroic
character as evidenced by his dedication to upholding moral righteousness and his constant pursuit of personal improvement.
B. These ideas have been clearly supported by…
C. As we continue to struggle with crime, war, economic strife, and a general lack of compassion, our society should look to
Bradbury and his iconic hero, Guy Montag, for guidance on how best to improve our current state of existence.
…Rules of Formal Writing Reminders…
 Write about literature in the present
tense
 ONLY employ third-person pointof-view…NO: I, me, my, you, us,
we, our
 Avoid contractions