Here's why:
* Simplified Narrative: Beatty's explanation is a simplification of a complex historical process. He paints a picture of a society that gradually became intolerant of complex ideas and critical thinking, leading to a desire for easy entertainment and conformity. This is a common theme in dystopian fiction, and it resonates with concerns about censorship and intellectual repression in real life.
* Focus on Emotional Reactions: Beatty emphasizes the emotional reactions of people, like fear of being offended or challenged. He suggests that books were banned because they caused arguments, offended religious groups, or made people feel inferior. While this might be partially true in some cases, it's not a comprehensive explanation for book banning throughout history.
* Ignoring Political and Economic Factors: Beatty's explanation overlooks the powerful political and economic factors that often drive censorship. Governments and corporations might ban books to suppress dissent, control information, or protect their interests. These aspects are not explored in depth in the story.
However, Beatty's explanation is effective because:
* It aligns with the story's message: The story critiques the dangers of a society that prioritizes comfort and conformity over intellectual freedom. Beatty's explanation, while not entirely accurate, serves to highlight these dangers.
* It's believable in the context of the world: In the fictional world of *Fahrenheit 451*, Beatty's explanation fits the society's obsession with instant gratification, superficiality, and mindless entertainment.
* It's presented as a compelling narrative: Beatty is a charismatic and articulate character, and he delivers his explanation with conviction. This makes it more believable to the audience, even if it's not entirely accurate.
In conclusion:
While Captain Beatty's explanation of how books came to be banned and burned is not historically accurate, it's a plausible and effective narrative device in the context of *Fahrenheit 451*. It serves to highlight the dangers of censorship and intellectual repression, and it resonates with the story's central themes.