In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Montag is given the choice to memorize many
books. He is also given the choice to learn many different pieces from the
Bible. Ecclesiastes is a great choice for Montag to memorize. There are many
different bits of information from Ecclesiastes that are very similar to the
several details and events that occur in Fahrenheit 451. Ecclesiastes talks
about vanity in man’s private life, vanity in civil life, and also, true
wisdom. All of these are heavily cited in the book. This is why I feel that
Montag should have memorized Ecclesiastes. Vanity in man’s private life was a
major theme in the book. Just look at how Mildred complained about not having a
fourth TV wall. She wanted all four walls to have TV’s, so that not only would
her “family” be complete, but also so that they could join the ranks of the
“higher” society. This is a major example of how vain Mildred is. She wants
Montag to go to work when he was sick, because she wants the money to go out and
buy another TV. She wants to be completely absorbed by her “family”. Since
Montag has experience in this part of life he can relate his experiences and
integrate what he knows to what he has memorized from Ecclesiastes. Vanity in
civil life is another big theme in Fahrenheit 451. In Ecclesiastes it states
“Vain and cheerless is life because of the iniquity which reigns in the halls
of justice (iii, 16-22), as well as in the intercourse of men (iv, 1-3).” The
people have guilt for what they do, especially when it is something that is
against the law. In the book, Montag feels guilty for saving some of the books
and keeping them at his home. He also feels guilty being around Beatty. Montag
feels like he is deceiving Beatty and his fellow firemen. He knows that he is at
some fault here, but he cannot shake the feeling that his society is keeping
something from him and everyone else. Montag feels that the books contain the
answers to these questions. With his experience, once again he would be well
equipped to relate to Ecclesiastes. Following along with the other themes of the
book is true wisdom. True wisdom is not to attempt to solve all the riddles of
life, but instead enjoy what is known, and share that wisdom. With the knowledge
of Ecclesiastes, Montag could help better his society. He could change things.
It is also said that one should not lose his or her temper. Montag remained very
composed throughout the entire book, so I feel that he could handle this task.
He also follows advice well, and he works diligently. Ecclesiastes really would
be perfect for him to memorize. Montag is given the choice to memorize many
great works, including the Bible. Ecclesiastes is a wonderful choice for Montag
to memorize. It talks about vanity in man’s private life, vanity in civil
life, and also, true wisdom. All of these are heavily cited in the book. There
are many different bits of information from Ecclesiastes that are very similar
to the several details and events that occur in Fahrenheit 451. And this is why
I feel that Montag should have memorized Ecclesiastes.