Figurative Language In Fahrenheit 451

In a dystopia where the government suddenly attempts to have absolute control over its citizens by prohibiting novels and through shallow media, how will society react? In Ray Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451, the people conform and accept this society that values mindless entertainment over intellectualism. The main character, Montag first-handily experiences this culture where every aspect of humanity’s thoughts and emotions are controlled and discouraged. This lack of intellectual curiosity leads to an “empty” culture that not many are able to identify and break free from. In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury employs figurative language to depict a society's decline due to the loss of individuality and critical thinking and emphasizes the importance

Montag, a firefighter who is also a victim of the conformity the government implements describes his job of burning books as, “Quote” (Bradbury 1). Using a metaphor of comparing his brass nozzle to a python and personifying it by claiming it “spits” out kerosene, Montag describes the dangerous nature of eliminating information and the harmful carnage it inflicts. Montag continues to describe his actions with another simile comparing the act of his hands to a conductor’s illustrating that like how a conductor views their symphony as a piece of art, Montag feels the same towards arson. Montag and the majority of individuals who live in this society are brainwashed to believe that eliminating information is the best action to take in order to avoid conflict in society. Believing that they are doing the right thing, they feel a sense of “happiness” when in reality their ignorance makes it so that they are unable to realize the dangerous and oppressive society they live in. The “happiness” they are feeling is delusion and the only way to relieve this delusion is with the reintroduction of knowledge and

After Montag reveals his hidden stash of books, Mildred panics knowing that any household that is caught with books will be set aflame, and exclaims, “quote” (Bradbury 72). Mildred’s reaction displays situational irony as she usually never pays any mind to Montag, but only now worries about the love Montag feels for her, knowing that if she is unable to convince him to stop, all her technology, media, and “family” will be erased. Her reaction is further described through a simile comparing her to a melting wax doll highlighting how she is almost like an inanimate object. Mildred is a prime example of a consumer of the shallow, mindless entertainment the government provides. The lack of knowledge makes it so that society is vulnerable to the government’s propaganda and can be portrayed as dolls fact that the moment they see something the government restricts, they immaturely and childishly break down. However, in the same situation, Montag who is already exposed to books appears more human and mature as curiosity takes over him rather than despair. In order for humanity to evolve, they must unlock their curiosity and expose themselves to