In the book “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, fire is used throughout as a symbol of goodness and rebirth. Fire is one great example of symbolism in this book.. Each of us has our own image of fire burning within us, and depending on experiences, it could be positive or negative. Fire has a dual image in the book, a symbol of destruction, and a symbol of warmth. Bradbury’s use of symbolism throughout the novel makes the book moving and powerful by using symbolism to reinforce the ideas of anti censorship. The Heart and the Salamander, the title of part one, is the first example of symbolism. The title suggest two things having to do with fire; the hearth is a source of warmth and goodness, showing the positive and nondestructive side of fire. Fire is an interesting symbol in Fahrenheit 451 because it symbolizes many different things. Through the firemen, who burn books and wear the number "451" on their helmets, fire symbolizes destruction. (451°F is the temperature at which paper and books burn.) Yet at the same time, Clarisse reminds Montag of candle-light, and so fire, when controlled, symbolizes the …show more content…
He uses it to intimidate the citizens of Fahrenheit 451, as well as a means of garbage disposal. Some examples from the book are, “Its real beauty is that is destroys responsibility and consequences. A problem gets too burdensome, then into the furnace with it… clean, quick, sure; nothing to rot later.” That quote is from and can be found on page 109 of Fahrenheit 451. Also another example of this is, “The important thing for you to remember, Montag, is we’re the Happiness Boys… you and I and the others. We stand against the small tide of those who want to make everyone unhappy with conflicting theory and thought. We have our fingers in the dike. Hold steady. Don’t let the torrent of melancholy and drear philosophy drown our world.” That quote is from and can be found on page 62 of Fahrenheit