Jennifer F. answered • 05/28/21
English Teacher with 21 Years of Teaching Experience
The death of Clarisse shocked Montag into an awareness of consciousness. He realized that he was one of many who silently walked through life without a purpose, without individuality. He was part of a mold. All Firemen had dark hair and shadowy stubble; they did not express one iota of an opinion, especially if contrary to society's laws. Fear of standing apart from the norm was the weapon that kept society, and Firemen, quiet and afraid. Clarisse had provided Montag with an opportunity to view someone who expressed ideas without fear. She showed him that it was okay to stand apart from the crowd, and that it was okay to laugh. Her comfortability and audacity to question everything was the Firemen's worst fear.
