Montag’s decision to not run away before killing Captain Beatty can be attributed to several reasons. Firstly, Montag wanted to witness the complete destruction of his house and the books he had come to hold so dearly. He had reached a breaking point in his life where he realized the importance of knowledge and the power of books, and he wanted to ensure that they were completely eradicated from his life before he made any further decisions.
Secondly, Faber, the former English professor who had become Montag’s mentor, advised him to stay where he was. Faber believed that by witnessing the destruction and feeling the weight of the consequences of his actions, Montag would be motivated to take further action against the oppressive society they lived in. Faber knew that running away would only allow Montag to escape the immediate danger, but it wouldn’t have changed the overall situation or brought about any meaningful change.
Additionally, Montag felt a sense of duty to confront and challenge the oppressive system represented by Beatty and the firemen. He had come to despise their disregard for knowledge and their role in suppressing free thought. By staying and facing Beatty, Montag was taking a stand against the oppressive regime and acting as a catalyst for change.
Furthermore, the act of killing Beatty was a pivotal moment for Montag’s character development. It symbolized his complete transformation from a conforming member of society to a rebel who was willing to defy the norms and fight for what he believed in. Running away would have meant avoiding this crucial confrontation and potentially stagnating Montag’s growth as a character.
It is important to note that Montag’s decision was not an easy one. He was filled with fear and uncertainty, but ultimately, his desire for change, the guidance of Faber, and his sense of duty compelled him to stay and face the consequences of his actions.