Symbolism Of Fire In Fahrenheit 451
Fahrenheit 451: The Development of Fire As a Symbol
By Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the presence of fire has obvious significance. What is important to look at, however, is how it’s meaning evolves throughout the book. As Guy Montag’s views change on society and the world around him, so does the connotation of fire. First, the fire represents power, and the satisfaction that comes with it. Then, as Montag is exposed to more radical thinking, the meaning evolves into violence and destruction. By the end of the novel, the image of fire symbolizes hope, as he works with Faber, and the book people to restore society. At the beginning of the book, fire takes on the role of power and excitement for Montag.
He thoroughly enjoys his work of burning books, and the sight of pages going up into flames gives him a satisfying rush of adrenaline. “It was a pleasure to burn…the blood pounded in his head, and his hands were the hands of some amazing conductor playing all the symphonies of blazing and burning to bring down the tatters and charcoal ruins of history.” (p. 1). This quote is the very first impression the reader is given of Guy Montag, and it exemplifies a few aspects of his mindset. The thrill of watching the flames consume the home he is burning, and the ignorance of what exactly is being burned, to name a few. There is also a certain pride associated with fire. “’It’s fine work. Monday burn Millay, Wednesday Whitman, Friday Faulkner, burn ‘em to ashes, then burn the ashes.’” (p. 8). Montag is so immersed in the rules and standards of society, that it does not even occur to him to question it. Later on, the flaws of the world around him become clearer to Montag. The friendship that he forms with Clarisse causes him to look critically at his surroundings, and be more honest with himself. As Montag develops intellectually, the image of fire takes on a new meaning. What was once an inspiring symbol of dominance, now makes him uneasy. His encounter with the old woman who burned alongside her hidden books is a major turning point. This is the first time Montag associates brutality with his job, and this realization horrifies him. Although it is not explicitly stated by Bradbury, the fire now represents guilt and remorse. “’Well this fire’ll last me the rest of my life. God! I’ve been trying to put it out, in my mind, all night.’” (p. 51). By the end of the novel, Montag has completed his personal journey. He has overcome the barriers of censorship, put up by the government, and learned to appreciate all that books can offer society. Once Montag recognizes this, his perception of fire changes for a final time. “That small motion, the white and red color, a strange fire, because it meant a different thing to him. It was not burning. It was warming.” (p. 145). Fire now signifies hope for Montag. In reminding him of the past, it inspires him to work for a brighter future. He sees the fire as a beacon of light that will guide him through journeys to come.
Guy Montag makes great progress throughout the book. Developing from oblivious fireman to guilty critic, and finally proud book-owner and thinker, Montag finally sees the truth about the society he lives in. By maturing intellectually, the blurred reality comes into focus for him. This improvement is symbolized through fire in the book. It is important to look at this symbolism, because of the life it takes on. As the character of Guy Montag changes, so does the way both he and us view that symbolic aspect of the book.
By Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the presence of fire has obvious significance. What is important to look at, however, is how it’s meaning evolves throughout the book. As Guy Montag’s views change on society and the world around him, so does the connotation of fire. First, the fire represents power, and the satisfaction that comes with it. Then, as Montag is exposed to more radical thinking, the meaning evolves into violence and destruction. By the end of the novel, the image of fire symbolizes hope, as he works with Faber, and the book people to restore society. At the beginning of the book, fire takes on the role of power and excitement for Montag.
He thoroughly enjoys his work of burning books, and the sight of pages going up into flames gives him a satisfying rush of adrenaline. “It was a pleasure to burn…the blood pounded in his head, and his hands were the hands of some amazing conductor playing all the symphonies of blazing and burning to bring down the tatters and charcoal ruins of history.” (p. 1). This quote is the very first impression the reader is given of Guy Montag, and it exemplifies a few aspects of his mindset. The thrill of watching the flames consume the home he is burning, and the ignorance of what exactly is being burned, to name a few. There is also a certain pride associated with fire. “’It’s fine work. Monday burn Millay, Wednesday Whitman, Friday Faulkner, burn ‘em to ashes, then burn the ashes.’” (p. 8). Montag is so immersed in the rules and standards of society, that it does not even occur to him to question it. Later on, the flaws of the world around him become clearer to Montag. The friendship that he forms with Clarisse causes him to look critically at his surroundings, and be more honest with himself. As Montag develops intellectually, the image of fire takes on a new meaning. What was once an inspiring symbol of dominance, now makes him uneasy. His encounter with the old woman who burned alongside her hidden books is a major turning point. This is the first time Montag associates brutality with his job, and this realization horrifies him. Although it is not explicitly stated by Bradbury, the fire now represents guilt and remorse. “’Well this fire’ll last me the rest of my life. God! I’ve been trying to put it out, in my mind, all night.’” (p. 51). By the end of the novel, Montag has completed his personal journey. He has overcome the barriers of censorship, put up by the government, and learned to appreciate all that books can offer society. Once Montag recognizes this, his perception of fire changes for a final time. “That small motion, the white and red color, a strange fire, because it meant a different thing to him. It was not burning. It was warming.” (p. 145). Fire now signifies hope for Montag. In reminding him of the past, it inspires him to work for a brighter future. He sees the fire as a beacon of light that will guide him through journeys to come.
Guy Montag makes great progress throughout the book. Developing from oblivious fireman to guilty critic, and finally proud book-owner and thinker, Montag finally sees the truth about the society he lives in. By maturing intellectually, the blurred reality comes into focus for him. This improvement is symbolized through fire in the book. It is important to look at this symbolism, because of the life it takes on. As the character of Guy Montag changes, so does the way both he and us view that symbolic aspect of the book.