Fahrenheit 451 Symbolism Of Fire Essay

The definition of the term fire is burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and give out bright light, heat, and smoke. Other than the denotation of fire, however, the term fire has many symbolic meanings. Fire has the ability to result in destruction or promote life. Fire contains many uses and can either symbolize destruction or comfort. Throughout the novel Fahrenheit 451, the author Ray Bradbury conveys the symbolism of fire. The protagonist Guy Montag transforms his opinion of fire throughout the novel. His opinion changes from believing the blasting nature of fire to the more positive comforting symbol of fire. In the exposition of the novel, the symbol of fire is conveyed as very violent and damaging. For instance, Montag follows through with many destructive actions that he enjoys such as the burning of books. As a fireman, he starts fires instead of eliminating them. Montag’s actions are very destructive through the burning of books, one of the worst methods of destruction. The use of fire to burn books that contain valuable information in them reveals the destructive symbolism of fire. Flame has the ability to destroy the valuable information that the society depends on,

However, other than its definition, fire has many symbolic meanings and can be interpreted many different ways. The author of the novel, Ray Bradbury, shows the many different connotations of fire through Montag’s evolving brain and thinking throughout the story. In the first part of the novel, Montag only thinks fire can be destructive. However, as the story progresses, Montag learns the more comforting symbol of fire. This allows him to be different from the rest of his society. He learns throughout the novel fire can be a symbol of comfort and not just a symbol of violence. His point of view of fire changes from believing the violent, burning, more negative symbol to the more comforting and warm symbol of