Fahrenheit 451: Human Nature vs Technology (Essay Example)

Human nature craves perfection. In an advanced society, technological inventions have made perfection seem tangible. These devices are trusted over man in terms of accuracy, accessibility, and reliability. Backed with complete faith from users, electronic innovations hold powerful influence whether positive or negative. In Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, the author utilizes the dichotomy of human nature versus technology by illustrating innovation as a misleading source of hope in a dystopian environment, to convey the theme that technology is capable of destruction and is sought out to dehumanize a society. 

Mildred signifies the typical result of an individual in a technology-reliant society, leading a hopeless, insensitive life, which is proven through comparisons of human nature and technology. Guy’s wife is said to have her ears “plugged with electronic bees” to demonstrate her lack of connection with life and others around her (18). Bradbury uses this example to convey modern inventions as a diversion, purposed to turn individuals away from their human nature. Citizens are deceived, falsely under the impression that electronic advancements are for their benefit, while in reality they are unconsciously being dehumanized. Additionally, in an attempt to console Montag’s unsettled state, Mildred says, “It’s fun out in the country. You hit rabbits, and sometimes you hit dogs. Go take the beetle”(64). The authoritative government manipulates the mindsets of its people through different methods including innovative devices. A severe victim of this, Mildred, has perceived pleasure as the destruction of other life through the use of technology, which is a completely animalistic action. The “little Seashells” in Mildred’s ears are highlighted while she overdoses in an attempt to take her own life(12). Society’s advanced version of earbuds is utilized to represent technology overriding an individual's ability to rationalize. Used by dystopian authorities to filter thoughts, devices that seem favorable leave citizen’s confused, disoriented, and empty in life. The consequences of technology affect the overall wellness of human nature; concurrently, individuals may falsely feel as if they are being benefited through the use of electronic devices.

Montag’s community has full trust in their deemed “perfect” invention, the Mechanical Hound, which in reality, is a humanity endangering device and is portrayed through the dichotomy of human nature versus technology.  The citizens of Montag’s society describe the Mechanical Hound as a device that “never fails” and is completely reliable(133). Society for Montag has come to a point where all inventions are trusted before people. This creates an unchallenged bond between man and machines, where man never doubts machines. Individuals stay oblivious to any victimization against them, allowing authorities to destroy their humane morals and replace them with inhumane perceptions.  Bradbury’s conception of the Mechanical Hound as a “dead beast” is a reference to the author’s idea of animalization as a result of technology(24).  Though viewed as a flawless invention through the eyes of the citizens, insight provided by the author hints otherwise. “Beast” is a term used to refer to the deadliest of animals, often those who prey on others and have no regard for the value of life. Individuals blinded by the fatal uses of electronic innovation can become accustomed to the most inhumane and beastly actions. Furthermore, in a description of the device, Beatty states, “It doesn’t like or dislike. It just ‘functions’. It’s like a lesson in ballistics” (26). Bradbury utilizes the characterization of the mechanical invention through the perspective of a citizen to convey that technology can be disguised as tamed machinery under the control of mankind when in truth it is carrying out pestiferous intentions. The dystopian authority creates a feeling of control and dominance for the people to perceive to take the rule of and drift them away from humanity while they are in an unconscious state. The Hound in Montag’s society holds power against the oblivion of the citizens, which is proven through the dichotomy between man and technology. 

Bradbury utilizes the dichotomy of human nature versus technology to convey the destructive and dehumanizing effects of innovation in a society under the authoritarian influence. Montag’s government has deprived and victimized humanity in their citizens through the influence of technology, which is seen clearly in Mildred. Additionally, citizens are overly trusting of their authority’s claimed flawless invention, the Mechanical Hound, and are slowly accustomed to animalistic behavior. The rapid growth of technology is incredibly alarming and unpredictable, leaving its effects uncertain, and causing much fear for the near future.