Javier Real

Sophomore English

Mr.Fredeick

10/15/2018

Mind Control at Its Greatest

There comes a time where meeting new can lead to them learning how to manipulate you

either to do the right thing or the wrong thing, just like in Montag’s case. Faber learns how to

manipulate Montag by doing things that he did not have the courage to do on his own, at the

time. In Captain Beatty’s case, he forces Montag to follow the law instead of going off and

being rebellious. Both Faber and Beatty have embedded different ways to go about their social

issues in there dystopian society. In Fahrenheit 451 Montag is caught in a battle between Faber

and Beatty’s Manipulation. It shows how Captain Beatty controls Montag by telling him not

to go against the law, and how Faber controls Montag through telling him to go through what he

couldn’t do and all together how the both manipulate and control his mind equally?

Professor Faber is a coward that could have changed society but instead manipulates

Montag to do things he wasn’t man enough to do. “And something more! It listens! If you put it

in your ear, Montag, I can sit comfortably at home, warming my frightened bones, and hear

and analyze the firemen’s world…” (2.218). Faber basically explains how he’ll be the brains

behind the operation and will help him succeed on his mission. Faber acts as a coward but also

heroic in a way also. “So few want to rebels anymore. And out of those few, must, like myself

scare easily, can you dance faster then the clown, shout louder than “Mr. Gimmick and Parlors
“Families”? If you can you’ll win your way Montag” (2.312). Faber proves his cowardice ways

by comparing himself to the others that won’t rebel. He mentions if Montag is willing to go

through all of the things he’s to afraid to go through. As a result, of all of the manipulation Faber

wins over Montag mind and pushes home to do what he couldn’t do which was end the dystopia.

Beatty is full of contradictions and calls books treacherous weapons yet he uses his

knowledge of literature to manipulate Montag. “We must be all alike. Not everyone born free

and equal, as the constitution says but everyone made equal. Each man the image of every other

then all are happy, for there are no mountains to make them cower, to judge themselves against.

Beatty explains how books make us not to uniform and cower when their faces with fear.

everyone’s made equal but not born free or equal. “You think you can walk on water with you

books. Well, well the world can get by just fine without them. Look where they got you, in

slime up to your lip. If I stir the slime with my little finger you’ll drown” (3.216). Making in

open three Beatty kind of intimidates Montag in a way. Telling him he’s going to fall thinking

the way he’s been thinking. Overall, Beatty kinda intimidates or bullies Montag’s mind on what

to do or think. Beatty wants to get him to open up and confess how he feels.

The fight between Beatty and Faber controlling Montag’s mind has been Montag’s

struggle. “Stick with the fireman, Montag. All else is clearly chaos…” (Bradbury,106). Beatty

directs Montag to stick with the fireman cause the other path with lead to his destruction. In

many ways he feels like Montag’s going against his ways and teachings. “But remember captain

belongs to the most dangerous enemy to truth and freedom” (Bradbury, 123). Faber throws a

shot at Beatty down playing what does as a firemen and say he’s an enemy to truth and freedom.
 In conclusion, Montag feels as through Faber is guiding him on a better path than Beatty.

The battle between the two beliefs leads to an outcome only Montag can control. Faber controls

Montag but also pushes him to think independently. Beatty on the other hand, brutally puts

thoughts into Montag’s head using past knowledge on books. The fight between Beatty and

Faber is not actually a fight at all. Montag fights with in himself to determine what to believe in

and battles every detail of every word. In conclusion, Montag feels as though Faber is guiding

him a better path than Beatty in every way, he kind of finds his purpose. It shows how Captain

Beatty controls Montag by telling him not to go against the law, and how Faber controls Montag

through telling him to go through what he couldn’t do and all together how the both manipulate

and control his mind equally.