Fahrenheit 451 Symbolism Analysis

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Symbolism is referred to an object or person who stands for or represents something else. In Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451, there are a countless amount of times that the story reflects symbolism. The most popular being, the hearth, and fireplace. These symbolize the comfort and destruction that fire brings. But, in the novel, there are more symbols that are not so easily recognized that are overlooked. Symbolism is a literary device or element that aids readers to see a novel through symbols that often usually have much deeper meanings. The sieve and the sand are not only the title of the second section in the novel, but also a symbol that refers to Montag’s childhood. This symbol reflects Montag’s childhood memory of him trying to fill a sieve up with sand. The sand represents the comprehension that he is after, something essential. This symbol reflects the book because of the importance. “If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you will never …show more content…

In Fahrenheit 451, Granger considers they build a vast mirror factory so they can take a look at themselves, or reflect on their actions. Granger is discussing the importance of self-understanding. “And one day he would look back upon the fool and know the fool” (Bradbury 103). This quote represents Montag looking back and reflecting on his actions and choices he made. Clarisse, in this section, is additionally related to a mirror for helping Montag see his own problems and essentially, himself. Additionally, the Phoenix represents renewal of life and recarnation. In the novel, Granger makes a direct comparison between the story of the phoenix and humans, which both obliterated themselves in fire, but both start again, rising from their ashes. He introduces Montag to the other men, who are all former professors and intellectuals. He tells Montag that they have perfected a method of recalling word-for-word anything that they have read