Fahrenheit 451 Fire Analysis
Fire is one of the many symbols represented in Fahrenheit 451. Fire can be observed as both renewal and destruction. The biggest reference to fire is at the end of the novel when Granger explains to Montag the meaning and existence of the Phoenix. Granger explains that every few hundred years, a Phoenix will appear and burn himself to ashes. The Phoenix would then spring out from the ashes to be born again. Granger compares this reference to mankind and how it destroys himself, only to be rebuilt. The Phoenix is a symbol of renewal. A major passage in the novel is when the firemen go to Mrs. Hudson's home. They go to her home and she sets the home on fire and burns herself with it. This is a major turning point in the novel for Montag. The
burning house represents the destruction of society due to books being banned and technology taking over people's lives. When this happens, Montag realizes that books might have something important contained within them. From there, Montag begins to pay more attention to books and society, along with the help of Clarisse. In the beginning of the novel, Montag views fire as a destructive and sees pleasure in burning and seeing thinks turned to ashes. Montag states,"It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed." This quote summarizes Montag and society's view on fire. By the end of the novel, Montag realizes that fire holds renewing and comforting power. With fire, you can have renewal, like at the end of the novel when civilization gets destroyed by a bomb and they must start over. Fire represent renewal instead of burning. Like the Phoenix, fire represents cleansing for a new hope of society and the rebirth of civilization.
burning house represents the destruction of society due to books being banned and technology taking over people's lives. When this happens, Montag realizes that books might have something important contained within them. From there, Montag begins to pay more attention to books and society, along with the help of Clarisse. In the beginning of the novel, Montag views fire as a destructive and sees pleasure in burning and seeing thinks turned to ashes. Montag states,"It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed." This quote summarizes Montag and society's view on fire. By the end of the novel, Montag realizes that fire holds renewing and comforting power. With fire, you can have renewal, like at the end of the novel when civilization gets destroyed by a bomb and they must start over. Fire represent renewal instead of burning. Like the Phoenix, fire represents cleansing for a new hope of society and the rebirth of civilization.