Change In Fahrenheit 451, By Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 is a novel written by Ray Bradbury, which was published in 1953. The novel features a future American society, where books are outlawed and so called “firemen” burn any that is in sight. The book focuses around a man by the name of Guy Montag. Montag is a third generation fireman. He soon realizes the importance and enjoyment of having books around and suddenly tries to concoct a plan to keep books around, without getting caught. The author conveys fire throughout the story to symbolize the meaning of change. In Montag’s world, instead of putting fires out, they create them. In the book, Captain Beatty says, “What traitor’s books can be! You think they’re backing you up, and then they turn on you. Others can use them, too, and there you are, lost in the middle of the moor, in a great welter of nouns and verbs and adjectives” (Ray Bradbury, 54). This line indicates that Montag is surrounded by a society that has no interest in exploring beyond the city limits. This also gives the audience a visual of how

As he is walking home he runs into her, because he felt someone “faintly breathing near him”. She asks Montag several questions about his job and reminds him that firemen do not start fires but they do put them out. Aroused by her choice of words, Montag starts to feel uneasy about the situation. Wondering how a seventeen-year old could have such a huge impact on his mind, Montag starts to see the world and books in another perspective. Clarisse uses the word “fire” to symbolize change, by explaining and showing Montag what firemen’s responsibilities actually are. Bradbury states, “Stuff your eyes with wonder, he said, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” This line implies well with the situation, because it is demanding for someone to be a risk