Comparing Fahrenheit 451 And Johnny Got His Gun

In our world, people thrive for control. By comparing the dystopian societies in Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and Trumbo’s Johnny Got His Gun, it is revealed how oppressive governments mask the truth to persuade and control the lives of individuals. Through examining the suppression of information, manipulation of media, control and isolation of individuals. Both stories echo the message of government control and the impact it has on individuals' lives. Furthermore, it is shown that in both Fahrenheit 451 and Johnny Got His Gun, the theme of oppressive governments wielding control through manipulation can be seen. Bradbury presents a world where books are banned, suppressing individuals, refraining them from knowledge for a minimalistic world, …show more content…

In Bradbury’s narrative, the government shows its power to the media by orchestrating a random execution. This is used to prevent public backlash and serves to retain the government's positive image. On the other hand, Johnny Got His Gun shows the tragic consequences of war by focusing on an isolated soldier, whose experiences are concealed by the government to prevent weakening public support for the war. These stories make it clear to the reader that the governments use media control to keep control over information, to shape the public’s opinion and to keep their power over society. Lastly, in both stories, isolation and alienation are a recurring theme, showing the profound impact of loneliness on individuals. In Fahrenheit 451, the protagonist Guy Montag experiences a sense of isolation from his wife Mildred, and struggles to find a belonging. Similarly, in Johnny Got His Gun, the main character Joe, is emotionally and physically isolated, trapped and cut off from society due to his inability to communicate. Both narratives depict isolation as a dehumanizing experience, showing the message of the longing for connection and belonging in everyone and the precautions of being disconnected from human