Clarisse McClellan - The Eye Opener
Clarisse McClellan only makes a few appearances at the beginning of the novel. However, her meetings with Guy change how he views the world around him. Clarisse is the type of person that doesn't ask how things are made, but why they are made. Guy feels overwhelmed by her personality. He remarks at "how immense a figure she was on the stage before him; what a shadow she threw on the wall with her slender body" (Bradbury 9).
Clarisse's self-aware nature and vivacious presence awes Guy and spurs him to acknowledge feelings that he kept hidden for a long time; "he was not happy. He said the words himself" (9). Guy is amazed by her capacity to mirror other people inner thoughts, as if she could read their minds; "he felt that if his eye itched, she might blink" (9). Guy is craving to connect with other humans in a meaningful way and Clarisse is the first person to selflessly open up to him. Her sudden death changes him profoundly and she seems to become his moral compass after she is gone. |
"Are you happy?"
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