In Ray Bradbury's novel, Fahrenheit 451, Guy Montag, the protagonist, has a complete metamorphosis; something that you can also call an epiphany. He changes from an impassive character, incognizant of his surroundings, to a person conscious of everything. There are many things in Montag's society that help him change. One of the major factors that helped this change is the people in his life. The people who influenced him the most are Montag's wife, Mildred, Clarisse, Faber, and his boss, Beatty. In this essay I will examine how Clarisse, Faber, Beatty and Mildred provide a catalyst for Montag's metamorphosis.
             The first personal influence on Montag is Clarisse. She is a positive influence on him. Clarisse is the young girl, who moved next door to Montag. Clarisse is classified as antisocial. She loves to talk to Montag, and to listen to him. She also loves to talk about the world and everything in it. She is also very perceptive:
             ...I like to watch people. Sometimes I ride the subway all day and look at them and listen to them, I just want to figure out who they are and what they want and where they're going...Sometimes I sneak around listen in subways. Or I listen at soda fountains. And do you know what? ...People talk about nothing... (30-31).
             Clarisse taught Montag to look around him, analyzing people for who they really are or aren't. Montag never did that before. Clarisse helped him to see everything from a different view, from the smallest snowflake to the prettiest flower. She questioned Montag's love for Mildred with a simple dandelion. Clarisse taught Montag to look around and to pay attention to what's important in life, not just what his society tells him.
             The second positive influence in Montag's life was Faber. Faber was an English professor, who helped Montag in his time of need. He was the one Montag went to when he needed t...