Fahrenheit 451: The Strength of Beatty The book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, demonstrates how certain people's opinions can influence an issue -- in this case, the burning of books. Captain Beatty had the greatest influence on public opinion regarding this issue. Beatty illustrates the ability to confuse and to make a person insane, he can control a community of people, and he can frighten people. Beatty is, clearly, the strongest character in the book Fahrenheit 451. One of his influential talents is Beatty's ability to confuse in his arguments. He used this ability to weaken Montag. He once said, "So! A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take