It is clear that people can indeed change due to the influence of other people

It is clear that people can indeed change due to the influence of other people. At the beginning of fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Guy Montag, a dedicated fireman and book burner, sees pleasure from burning books and destroying lifetimes of important ideas.Over the course of the novel, montag changes into a whole new individual, a man like nothing he was before. He develops a interest in books and he soon realizes how society is very twisted.
A major event in the story that started to change him was his contact with the seventeen year old “social outcast”, Clarisse Mcclellan.The first time Montag and Clarisse meet, Clarisse shows that she is a very curious person by questioning everything.Many of these questions insult Montag or make him irritated. Others made him question things he’s always known. In fact the first conversation Clarisse and Montag have, Clarisse asks, “Are you happy?” (pg 10). At first Montag thinks this is a silly question to ask. Then after he goes home and ponders this question, he realizes he isnt happy. This question is extremely significant because this is the turning point of the story. This is the first time Montag questions his way of life.
While on a walk with Montag through the rain, Clarisse finds a dandelion. She says to Montag, ” If it rubs off it means I’m in love.” (pg22). It rubbed off on her but it does not rub off on Montag. Montag was sceptical on the fact if Clarisse’s superstition was correct and if he really did love mildred or not. This happening is significant in Clarisse’s role in helping Montag on his journey to find out who he really is because it helped Montag realize that Mildred is just like everyone else, mindless and passive.
On their first encounter Clarisse asks Montag ,”Do you ever read any of the books you burn?” Montag laughs and says, “That’s against the law.” He finds it funny that she is questioning it. Yet afterwards he starts to question himself on why doesn’t society let fireman read and then burn the books. He brings this up to Captain Beatty and he doesnt exactly get the response he was looking for.