"Fahrenheit 451 — the temperature at which book paper catches fire, and burns". In the beginning of the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury fire was seen as a destructive source that was used to burn books in the futuristic society. Throughout the novel the symbolism of fire began to change and take on new meaning due to different encounters that helped to influence Montag perception. For Montag “IT WAS A PLEASURE TO BURN” (Bradbury 3), fire was always used to solve problems because they never had to think of a solution and could easily get rid of it by using the flamethrower. In Fahrenheit 451 fire is used in the society to suppress knowledge by burning books and creating censorship to keep everyone in a state of equilibrium. The symbolism of fire can represent knowledge, awareness, rebirth, and destruction.
The use of fire was first questioned when Guy Montag first met Clarisse McClellen and she brought up a new thought for what the purpose of fire could be used for; "Is it true that long ago firemen put fires out instead of going to start them?"(8). Guy Montag could only help but laugh thinking to himself how silly that idea could be but later questioning the possibility because all he knew was fire was meant for the destruction of books but couldn 't think of …show more content…
Montag also began to see fire in a different perspective other than the use of destruction which was all he knew and learned from the intellectuals he met, used it as warmth and to ignite knowledge within them when they gather around the fire to express their opinion about books they read.Granger referred to the fire as the phoenix to show the destruction and renewal of the society Montag left behind the burning away his past and starting over a new life where he will no longer have to follow censorship and live within the lines of the government
The use of fire was first questioned when Guy Montag first met Clarisse McClellen and she brought up a new thought for what the purpose of fire could be used for; "Is it true that long ago firemen put fires out instead of going to start them?"(8). Guy Montag could only help but laugh thinking to himself how silly that idea could be but later questioning the possibility because all he knew was fire was meant for the destruction of books but couldn 't think of …show more content…
Montag also began to see fire in a different perspective other than the use of destruction which was all he knew and learned from the intellectuals he met, used it as warmth and to ignite knowledge within them when they gather around the fire to express their opinion about books they read.Granger referred to the fire as the phoenix to show the destruction and renewal of the society Montag left behind the burning away his past and starting over a new life where he will no longer have to follow censorship and live within the lines of the government