Theme of Society in Dover Beach and Fahrenheit 451 (Literary Essay Example)

The foreshadowed society in “ Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold is similar to the already present society in “ Fahrenheit 451”. The theme in both is focusing on a main character stuck in an unwanted dystopian society. They both go out and fight for their wanted change that will affect the future and change history. Arnold in the form of a poem, and Montag in the form of going undercover as a normal everyday citizen. Both of those things require a realization that they do not agree with what is happening in their respective societies, and then how to change it back to how they personally want it.

The first thing the reader must think about is what was going on in the author’s life and / or  historically. What was happening in Arnold’s life was that he believed that religion was getting left behind, which was a big deal to him. Now, was he right ? Yes, religion is no longer a main part in society and for some people it is nothing. Which is the same in the society of “ Fahrenheit 451”. An example is when Montag starts ripping the bible up in front of Faber to get him to listen. Even though Faber admits he has never been religious, the bible is still an important part of history and the world, which makes Faber beg Montag to stop.

Another thing the reader must take into consideration is Arnold’s purpose of writing “ Dover Beach”. By writing it he wanted to show the world that  he was not letting go of religion as easy as they were. Just the same as Montag going out and showing the world that he had not forgotten about the importance books have on the world even though the general public does not believe the same thing. By reading a part of “ Dover Beach” out loud to Mildred and her friends it makes them notice just how meaningless their lives have become. Which makes Mrs. Phelps so emotional she starts crying.

A final thing the reader must think about is what the imagery of the piece is. It is centered on a beach in the United Kingdom with the tide receding. The writer believes that the tide symbolizes religion receding out of peoples lives. That would also symbolize the critical thinking receding out of peoples lives in the society of “Fahrenheit 451”. Making the tide receding a main symbol  of both societies. 

All in all, it makes “ Dover Beach” and “Fahrenheit 451” very similar in nature. The above reasons are just some of the key reasons why the writer believes that Ray Bradbury included a part of “Dover Beach” in “Fahrenheit 451”. They are both rapidly changing societies that the main character understands that they do not agree with the changes and tries to secretly put everything back to the way it was, without the rest of society realizing. They could just go with what the rest of society is doing and have it easy, but they are willing to risk it for what they believe is the greater good.