In a world where we’re so quick to judge others based on the surface, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 character Clarisse McClellan reminds us to dig a little deeper. Her curiosity, free spirit, and questioning nature offer a refreshing perspective in the dystopian society she lives in. Let’s dive into the 25 quotes from Clarisse in Fahrenheit 451, paired with page numbers for easy referencing.
“I sometimes think drivers don’t know what grass is, or flowers, because they never see them slowly.” – Clarisse (p. 9)
“I like to watch people. Sometimes I ride the subway all day and look at them and listen to them.” – Clarisse (p. 11)
“I’m antisocial, they say. I don’t mix. It’s so strange.” – Clarisse (p. 15)
“Are you happy?” – Clarisse (p. 10)
“I like to smell things and look at things, and sometimes stay up all night, walking and watch the sun rise.” – Clarisse (p. 7)
“I rarely watch the ‘parlor walls’ or go to races or Fun Parks. So I’ve lots of time for crazy thoughts.” – Clarisse (p. 9)
“I’ve got all these theories.” – Clarisse (p. 8)
“I’ve got to feel them to know them.” – Clarisse (p. 14)
“You never wash it off completely.” – Clarisse (p. 6)
“Have you ever watched the jet cars racing?” – Clarisse (p. 10)
“But I don’t think it’s social to get a bunch of people together and then not let them talk, do you?” – Clarisse (p. 27)
“I’m seventeen and I’m crazy.” – Clarisse (p. 13)
“I’m not in school. I don’t think they wanted me there.” – Clarisse (p. 21)
“It’s a lot of funnels and lot of water poured down the spout and out the bottom, and them telling us it’s wine when it’s not.” – Clarisse (p. 33)
“My uncle drove slowly on a highway once.” – Clarisse (p. 61)
“There must be something in books, things we can’t imagine.” – Clarisse (p. 78)
“Why is it,” he said, “one time, long ago, you knew something about us.” – Clarisse (p. 43)
“People don’t talk about anything.” – Clarisse (p. 30)
“I play the man. I just run.” – Clarisse (p. 68)
“Do you know that books smell like nutmeg or some spice from a foreign land?” – Clarisse (p. 77)
“I hope they didn’t take her off to the insane asylum.” – Clarisse (p. 89)
“I’m afraid of children my own age.” – Clarisse (p. 22)
“They all say the same things and nobody says anything different from anyone else.” – Clarisse (p. 28)
“Isn’t this a nice time of night to walk?” – Clarisse (p. 7)
“Bet I know something else you don’t. There’s dew on the grass in the morning.” – Clarisse (p. 9)
As we journey through these thought-provoking quotes from Clarisse, we gain an insight into her unconventional perspective. Her reflections prompt us to challenge our assumptions and consider things from different angles. Which of Clarisse’s quotes resonated the most with you? Do you have any other favourite quotes from Fahrenheit 451 or your personal reflections? We welcome you to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. After all, literature becomes all the richer when we share our unique interpretations.