Everyone in the world influences others in many various manners. The influence can be minor or extremely significant but yet they always have an impact. An example of this can be found in Fahrenheit 451, a novel written by Ray Bradbury. In this fictional epic, the main character, Guy Montag, is influenced by friends as well as mere acquaintances. Clarrise, a woman that simply stood up for what she believed in, and Beatty force Montag to re-examine his past, present, and future. In doing so, Montag virtually chooses a different `path in life' than that of others in the fire-fighting profession.

Clarisse McClellan is the next-door neighbor of Montag who is silenced by the government for living independently and for attempting to discover the true meaning of life. She is is one of the key influences in Montag's decision to begin reading. Clarisse questions Montag and how he feels...