Guy Montag: The Metamorphosis of a Book-Burner to a Book-Savior
             Guy Montag, the protagonist of Ray Bradbury's epic novel Fahrenheit 451, is a dynamic character that transforms from a fireman feeling little emotion to a true human who realizes the value of knowledge. Initially, he takes great pleasure in his work, burning books and the homes where he finds them, and is quite pleased with himself. However, his faith in his profession and society diminishes shortly after the introduction of the novel. Montag realizes his discontent with himself and his relationships with others, especially that of his wife, after becoming a friend of young girl named Clarisse. Throughout the course of the novel, Montag grows and changes from a fireman dedicated to burning books, to a man devoted to their preservation.
             At the onset of the novel, Montag appears to be satisfied with his life and society. He lives life the way the society wants him to, never questioning his work or the world. Montag feels his occupation is quite satisfying. According to the narration, Montag felt: "It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed"(3). He also knew: "that when he returned to the firehouse, he might wink at himself, a minstrel man, burnt-forked, in the mirror"(4). The narration depicts Montag as an excellent fireman who takes great pleasure in his work. Montag says, "It's fine work. Monday burn Millay, Wednesday Whitman, Friday Faulkner, burn 'em to ashes, then burn the ashes"(8). Clearly, Montag enjoyed burning literature and took his job very seriously at the beginning of the story.
             As the novel progresses, Montag becomes increasingly heroic. After his acquaintance with Clarisse, Montag begins to question his work and society. He becomes defiant and skeptical of the world around him. Montag realizes he is not
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