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Many critics and readers claim Fahrenheit 451's cultural relevancy has only increased as time has passed. Do you agree or disagree? Support your...

I would agree that Fahrenheit 451's cultural relevancy has increased since its publication in 1953. Aspects of Bradbury's dystopian society are eerily familiar in modern America. Mildred's addiction to sleeping pills is relevant to America's prescription drug abuse problem that affects millions of citizens on a daily basis. Also, the dystopian society's obsession with television and violent entertainment mirror our modern society's fascination with HD TVs and sports. In today's society, corporations use religious holidays to advertise to the ever-increasing consumer culture to the point that everything sacred about the holiday is forgotten. In a discussion with Montag, Faber comments that he wonders if God would recognize His own Son.


Bradbury's portrayal of how the dystopian society is constantly at war also mimics modern America. With our ongoing War on Terror, it seems like our country will always be involved in some sort of conflict around the globe. Bradbury's critique of how the populace elects officials based on their looks instead of their policies is also relevant to American society. Politics in America have essentially turned into a popularity contest where the most entertaining or attractive politician gets the most votes.


In my opinion, the most relevant and significant criticism that Bradbury expresses throughout his novel is the individual's lack of motivation to read. With technology growing exponentially, Americans are able to view videos and play virtual games at the touch of a button. Similar to the novel, literature has gradually been replaced by television and the internet.

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