In mythology, the Phoenix would appear at dawn every morning to sing a song so enchanting that even the great sun god Apollo would stop to listen. As the end of its life approached, the phoenix would build a pyre nest of aromatic branches and spices, sets it on fire, and is consumed in the flames. After three days the phoenix arises from the ashes. In the novel Fahrenheit 451, Montag’s spiritual journey can be represented by the Phoenix. “But he knew his mouth had only moved to say hello, and then when she seemed hypnotized by the salamander on his arm and the phoenix disc on his chest, he spoke again.” (pg. 6) The phoenix disc is located on Montag’s chest, the same place where his heart and soul are located. The phoenix disc is foreshadowing spiritual rebirths that Montag will go through. …show more content…
3) When Montag is first introduced, his job is a fireman. Everyday, he burns books. Everyday, he sings the enchanting song of chaos and destruction that even Clarisse McClellan stops to listen. “The woman on the porch reached out with contempt to them all and struck the kitchen match against the railing.” (Pg. 40) The woman set herself on fire for her books, Montag feels empathetic towards the woman. Because the woman to died, his emptiness was reborn as empathy. “And then there was a shrieking blaze, a jumping, sprawling gibberish mannikin, no longer human or known, all writhing flame on the lawn as Montag shot one continuous pulse of liquid fire on him.” (Pg. 119) Montag set Captain Beatty on fire, someone who was once his friend. Captain Beatty was a symbol of conformity and when he died, Montag’s conformity was replaced by