The American author, Ray Bradbury, addresses this question in his book, Fahrenheit 451. Through Montage's self discovery the symbolism of the fire shifts from a destructive force to a nourishing flame. Bradbury first portrays fire as a powerful and destructive force, starting the book with this image Montag burning books. Montag found pleasure in burning them, (it was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed" (Bradbury 1). While this totalitarian society viewed fire as entertainment (...), it also represents the elimination of knowledge and (...) Contrary to what we expect to firemen to do, in this futuristic generation, firemen don't put out fires but create them.
The author first begins to hint that fire can symbolize hope and passion very early in the novel, although Montag does not realize this right away. Upon his first encounter with Clarisse, the gleam of her face reminds him of a time in his childhood where the power had went out. His mother had lit a candle "and there had been a brief hour of rediscovery, of such illumination that space lost its vast dimensions and drew comfortably around them" (Bradbury 4). This illustrates the hope that fire can bring allowing him and his mom to connect, even in the miserable society they live in. This contrast the fire we originally saw, this fire is illuminating and allows for self discovery. Montag is slowly getting exposed to a different view of the fire. …show more content…
It is this evolution of thinking that aids Montag in becoming an individual and breaking the bonds of his mindless society. As mentioned by the other while fire can cause death and destruction, the warmth, hope and comfort of fire sustains and renews through the ages, and the same fire that controlled Montag before, will now aid him in creating a new city built from
The author first begins to hint that fire can symbolize hope and passion very early in the novel, although Montag does not realize this right away. Upon his first encounter with Clarisse, the gleam of her face reminds him of a time in his childhood where the power had went out. His mother had lit a candle "and there had been a brief hour of rediscovery, of such illumination that space lost its vast dimensions and drew comfortably around them" (Bradbury 4). This illustrates the hope that fire can bring allowing him and his mom to connect, even in the miserable society they live in. This contrast the fire we originally saw, this fire is illuminating and allows for self discovery. Montag is slowly getting exposed to a different view of the fire. …show more content…
It is this evolution of thinking that aids Montag in becoming an individual and breaking the bonds of his mindless society. As mentioned by the other while fire can cause death and destruction, the warmth, hope and comfort of fire sustains and renews through the ages, and the same fire that controlled Montag before, will now aid him in creating a new city built from