There are a few examples where Beatty appears like a statue, almost like the Mechanical Hound. If this is true, this complicates Beatty’s worldview, making him a much more complex character than he is at a glance. Montag thinks that Beatty had wanted to die. His only action that seems to betray his loyalty to the culture of book burning is in the end when he dies. So, he gives Montag a pass when Montag takes a book, but he does send the Mechanical Hound to instill some fear. He understands that there is a potential for any fireman or citizen to be curious about literature. He is even willing to let the woman burn alive with her books. This deeply affects Montag and adds to his skepticism about the entire culture of book burning.īeatty might be conflicted in his mind, but his actions illustrate his dedication to being the Chief Burner. One of the most striking events in the novel is when the woman chooses to burn with her books and Beatty carries this execution out. At one time he was his friend, but as Montag begins to learn, Beatty becomes more of an enemy. He has an authorial, domineering influence on Montag. This lends credence to the idea that Beatty was conflicted.īeatty’s most noticeable effect is on Montag himself. Also, in the end when Montag kills him, Montag thinks Beatty had wanted to die. He has all of this literary knowledge, but he uses it against itself. There may be a conflict in Beatty’s mind. Beatty is a more complex character than he appears. Oddly, he uses his literary knowledge to support his position as the Chief in charge of book burning. Beatty has an extensive knowledge of the history of firemen and the history of literature. Much or most of what we know of Beatty’s thoughts come from his speech. He even uses his literary knowledge to make his points that society is better off without literature. He stresses the danger of literature, but he is able to quote classic works with ease. Beatty plays the role of the oppressive authority quite well. He is successful at making Montag feel anxious and guilty. When Montag begins to question things, Beatty is immediately suspicious and plays mind games with Montag. In Part 1, for example, he is described as looking “steadily” at Montag and as “rising in thunderheads of tobacco smoke.” This supports the view that he is a confident, domineering sort of person. Looks: Beatty’s description in the text matches his authoritarian character. However, Beatty’s speech suggests that he actually wanted Montag to kill him. In doing this, Beatty actually brings about his own demise (when Montag sets him on fire). Through trying to control and dominate him, Beatty actually ends up driving Montag closer to rebellion.Īctions: The most significant action of Beatty’s happens in Part 3 when he forces Montag to set fire to his own house. He makes this very clear to Montag when he visits him in Part 1.Įffects on Others: Beatty’s biggest effect is on Montag. He believes that books have the potential to offend and confuse. Thoughts: Beatty has strong thoughts about books and is a huge advocate of censorship. His knowledge implies that he reads books but we know from his speech to Montag in Part 1 that he hates them too, thus creating conflict. Blake’s home is set on fire in Part 1, for example, Beatty quotes from the Bible as he talks about the “Tower of Babel.” He also understands Blake’s reference to Master Ridley. Speech: Considering that Beatty is the Captain of the firemen (and, therefore, their leader), he knows a surprising amount about books and frequently quotes them. Start your subscription to unlock this answer and thousands more. To carry out a STEAL analysis of Captain Beatty, you will need to focus on the following areas:
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