“Behind his mask of conformity, Montag gradually undergoes a change in values. Montag realized that his life was meaningless without books” (Liukkonen). At the beginning of the novel, Montag said: “It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed” (Bradbury 3). For much of his life, Montag conformed just like other members of society. He set things on fire because it was his job and he didn't question whether or not it was the right thing to do. Throughout history, however, he has managed to find and express his own opinions and resist the conformity emphasized by his society. When Montag had to decide whether or not to burn Beatty alive, he proved his worth by not giving in to what was expected. He killed the captain of the police department, an absolutely provocative act (Bradbury