Symbolism in Fahrenheit 451 :: Essays Papers

symbolization in Fahrenheit(postnominal)(postnominal) 451 Light, especially flaming, and darkness are significantly reoccurring themes in Fahrenheit 451. Guy Montag, the main character, is a fireman, but in this futuristic world the job description of a fireman is to start fires w herever books are found instead of putting them out. Montag takes a journey from a literary darkness to a knowledgeable light. This journey can be compared to the short story Allegory of the Cave by Plato, in which a prisoner experiences a similar journey. An example of light, in reference to knowledge, occurs bonnie after Montag meets Clarisse for the first time. When they reached her house all its lights were blazing (9). Since Montag had rarely seen that umteen house lights on, I interpreted those lines as saying that house is entire of knowledge and enlightenment not like the rest of the houses somewhat here which are always dark. Clarisse went on to explain to Montag that her mother, father, an d uncle were just sitting around and talking. This was also something that wasnt really commonplace in the city. Fire is an important piece of symbolism in Fahrenheit 451. Fire consumes minds, spirits, men, ideas, and books. Fire plays two very different uses in this book. The role of a destructive, devouring, and life ending force, and the role of a nourishing flame. The first role that fire plays in Fahrenheit 451 is apparent from the very beginning of Bradburys novel. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO BURN. It was a pleasance to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed (3). In these first two sentences, Bradbury creates a sense of curiosity and irony because in the story, change is something controlled and unwanted by the government and union, so it is very unlikely that anything in Guy Montags society could be changed. The burning described at this point represents the constructive brawniness that later leads to catastrophe. A clear picture of firemen is first seen when the narrator says, With his typic helmet numbered 451 on his stolid head, and his eyes all orange flame with the theory of what came next, he flicked the igniter and the house jumped up in a gorging fire that burned the evening sky red and yellow and black (3). Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which books burn and is symbolically written on the firemens helmets, tanks, and in the firestation.