Fahrenheit 451 is a science fiction novel that shows the futuristic consequences of technology, the willingness of people to being ignorant and letting the government govern even their ability of thought. The book portrays Guy Montag, the protagonist of the novel, as a fireman who burns books, but later realizes what the government is depriving of the citizens the ability to freely think for themselves. In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, readers encounter a number of symbols that help in understanding the intent that Ray Bradbury wants to bestow upon his readers. Those symbols include fire, the Phoenix, Montag’s jumping into the river, and the mechanical hound. The first and most noticeable symbol in Fahrenheit 451 is fire. Along with destruction, fear, and ignorance, fire also symbolizes the cleansing of Guy Montag's city. Beatty says the fire’s “real beauty is that it destroys responsibility and …show more content…
He showed everything is bound to fall and collapse which explained the bombing of the city. The author wanted to show that like a phoenix, the death of the city was just a new beginning. At the end of the mechanical hound chase, Montag jumps and bathes in the river. This symbolizes him cleansing himself of his old identity. The fact that another man is killed in his place emphasizes this. In Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury's usage symbols help his readers understand the meaning behind his novel. Bradbury uses symbols such as the mechanical hound, the Phoenix, Montag's bathing in the river and fire. His use of the mechanical hound and fire as symbols reflects on the journey of humanity’s recovery from a society that is overruled by technology. Bradbury’s use of the Phoenix and Montag’s bathing in the river as symbols shows that with inner reflection humanity can overcome enslavement to technology. With his use of symbolism, Ray Bradbury offers his readers an optimistic