Fahreinheit 451

Analysis of a Symbol:

One significant symbol in Fahrenheit 451 is the phoenix. In the novel, Granger compares mankind to a phoenix. He says, “But every time he burnt himself up he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over again. And it looks like we’re doing the same thing, over and over…” (Bradbury 163). Unlike the phoenix, man has the ability to learn from his mistakes and not make the same mistakes again. The life cycle of the phoenix represents the cycle of history and how it tends to repeat itself if people do not learn from the events and decisions of the past. The rebirth of the phoenix, and humankind, is symbolic of Montag’s spiritual resurrection and decision to rebuild the society with Granger. He recognizes the mistake made by the society to burn books, and he does his best to prevent the issue rather than to continue supporting it.

Passage Analysis:

“Mildred stood over his bed, curiously. He felt her there, he saw her without opening his eyes, her hair burnt by chemicals to a brittle straw, her eyes with a kind of cataract unseen but suspect far behind the pupils, the reddened pouting lips, the body as thin as a praying mantis from dieting, and her flesh like white bacon. He could remember her no other way” (Bradbury 48).

            This passage describes Mildred. The physical description shows she is extremely weak, physically, emotionally, and mentally. The cataract far behind her pupils demonstrates that her poor condition is beyond repair. Too much damage has been done. Mildred’s pouting lips indicate that she depressed. Her thin body exemplifies the fact that she does not have a soul. Mildred does not have any inner strength. Montag cannot remember seeing her any other way because she has been like this for so long. This passage relates to the meaning of the work as a whole, which is that many people of the society no longer focus on the simple, essential aspects of life that are worth living for.

Thoughts:

            I enjoyed reading Fahrenheit 451 because the main character, Montag, stands up for what he knows is right. Instead of continuing to burn books and live in ignorance, he decides to obtain knowledge about the books. Once he discovers that the books have value, Montag goes against the other firefighters. I admire Montag’s choice to stand up for something he believes in. This decision shows growth in Montag’s character because at the beginning of the novel, he does not have the courage or desire to do something this radical in nature.