The novel has more than one theme, but a major theme is that books, because they contain complex language and ideas, can empower people to become fully human. In the dystopic world of this novel, firemen have become people who raid homes and burn books, which the state has outlawed. Instead of reading, individuals are encouraged to watch mindless drivel and propaganda on giant television screens. This flattens, dulls and empties life. For example, fireman Montag's wife tries to commit suicide by taking a bottle of pills. She doesn't remember the incident, but it reveals the barrenness of her television-addicted existence. Montag himself becomes interested in books after encounters with a perceptive young neighbor, Clarisse, awaken him from his stupor of mindless living.
Another theme of the book is risk-taking: books symbolize risk and Montag can only become fully human as he embraces the world of books and leaves his old, safe life behind.
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