Fahrenheit 451 produces a discussion of world problems in general, but specifically the early 1950s in America. To express his frustration, he speaks through Montag saying, “So now do you see why books are hated and feared? They show the pores in the face of life” (Bradbury 83). To maintain a peaceful society, it is useful to reduce literacy. Without the ability to read, the truthful details recorded cannot be discovered and the flowers of criticism and intelligence cannot bloom. Furthermore, the more freedom citizens have to discover, the greater the chances of having divergent opinions. Literature is implicated in the perceived danger of influence and deviation from desired normality. The story embodies a concern about the book burning crisis and its effects on endangering the American social fabric. To show his concern, Bradbury depicts realistic utopian possibilities for humanity. Utopia contradicts life in America and resembles a phoenix rising from the ashes created by America (Zipes). Moreover, it is structured around fire and death, as if new rituals and customs must be designed from the ashes of an America determined to destroy itself and eventually the world (Zipes). The burning of books represents the major problem of modern science: as man's inventive and brilliant intellect illuminates more and more the truths of the universe, the increased knowledge he thereby acquires, if they are misused, can more and more easily reduce the planet to ashes. Not only will it burn in the form of constructive energy, but also in the form of disaster (Watt). Because Bradbury writes carefully and consciously, he always has specific events and connections when he projects the future (Zipes). Although his novel is a reaction to the political and intellectual climate of the time, he leaves the details vague to ensure that it is applicable to the world.