Fahrenheit 451 Narrative Structure

In the novel, Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, its plot outlines each step of the narrative structure giving the reader the ability to follow along through the many aspects and events in the story with ease and fluidity. The exposition or beginning of the novel introduces the reader to the characters and foreshadows their potential roles. At this time, the setting of where and when the novel takes place is the norm, however Bradbury only gives the time of the 1990s but an unspecific location. This stays the constant in the story leaving the reader guessing where, and also making this society seem possible because it was written (1950) before the setting of the story. Within the first few chapters we meet Montag, the protagonist, a fireman whose duty is to not put out fires, but cause them by burning books. He then meets Clarisse, a young girl, who differs from the norm of their society causing conflict within Montag making

The reader sees the true identity and belief of curiosity that has been hiding in Montag and the treacherous side of the once trusted Captain Beatty. When Montag’s wife reports him to the authorities Beatty has his own words to share with Montag, “A problem gets too burdensome, then into the furnace with it. Now Montag, you’re a burden. And fire will lift you off my shoulders, clean, quick, sure.” His words pierce Montag as Beatty then commands him to burn down his own home to clean up his own mess. Montag’s character takes a turning point in the falling action as he turns the flamethrower on Beatty killing him right then. Although this event is important enough to be deemed the climax, it is the event that occurs after Montag realizes he has been turned in for the crime that he punishes people with each day. The falling action is the point in the novel where the protagonist transforms from his old ways and finds an escape to