An allusion is an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference. In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury uses allusions often to peak interest, and also as an artistic device; specifically, he uses allusions to stimulate associations, foreshadow, and provide character insight. Bradbury is able to stimulate association with allusions. When Beatty finishes what the woman with the match was trying to say, “ ‘We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace in England, as I trust shall never be put out’ … A man named Latimer said that to a man named Nicholas Ridley, as they were being burnt alive at Oxford, for heresy, on October 16, 1555.” (pg. 38). Heresy is the belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian)
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Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were burned at the stake for their beliefs, much like the woman with the match. Bradbury is stimulating association with allusions in this quote by showing much like the Latimer and Ridley, the woman with the match was burned for her beliefs as well. Secondly, Bradbury foreshadows with allusions. When Faber is trying to convince Montag out of planting books in firemen’s houses, “They’re Caesar’s praetorian guard, whispering as the parade roars down the avenue, ‘Remember, Caesar, thou art mortal.’ “ (pg. 84). In this quote Bradbury is alluding to the ruler, Julius Caesar, who was killed by his close friend, Marcus Junius Brutus, for trying to make social and governmental reform. This may foreshadow Montag’s grave reform of society, and that someone he thinks is an ally may hurt him in the end. Lastly, Bradbury uses allusions to provide character insight to the reader. When Beatty is telling Montag of a dream with them both in it, “And you said, quoting, ‘Truth will come to light, murder will not hid long!’ And I cried in good humor…” (pg. 104). Here Beatty imagines Montag saying that to defend that
Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were burned at the stake for their beliefs, much like the woman with the match. Bradbury is stimulating association with allusions in this quote by showing much like the Latimer and Ridley, the woman with the match was burned for her beliefs as well. Secondly, Bradbury foreshadows with allusions. When Faber is trying to convince Montag out of planting books in firemen’s houses, “They’re Caesar’s praetorian guard, whispering as the parade roars down the avenue, ‘Remember, Caesar, thou art mortal.’ “ (pg. 84). In this quote Bradbury is alluding to the ruler, Julius Caesar, who was killed by his close friend, Marcus Junius Brutus, for trying to make social and governmental reform. This may foreshadow Montag’s grave reform of society, and that someone he thinks is an ally may hurt him in the end. Lastly, Bradbury uses allusions to provide character insight to the reader. When Beatty is telling Montag of a dream with them both in it, “And you said, quoting, ‘Truth will come to light, murder will not hid long!’ And I cried in good humor…” (pg. 104). Here Beatty imagines Montag saying that to defend that