Fahrenheit 451 Analysis

Symbols are very important in Fahrenheit 451. Name three specific symbols and outline their references and meaning throughout the novel. Use specific examples from the test in your arguement.

Throughout the book there are many symbols that stand out and have a hidden meaning. First, books are a big part of Montags job and the whole society. "He wanted above all, like the old joke, to shove a marshmallow on a stick in the furnace, while the flapping pigeon-winged books died on the porch and lawn of the house," his job was to burn all books and rid them from society. The people don’t seem to understand the need for books, the just want everyone to be the same, think the same and act the same. A few people in the city began to read to analyze the writing; however that ended very quickly for each of them because the firemen would come and burn everything. Montag was so curious and confused of what books offer to people. "There much be something in books, things we cant imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there." which then led him to crack open a book. Captain Beatty who is Montag's fellow firemen describes a book as "a book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the short from the weapon." they don’t want books to provide variety in people’s opinions and thoughts. "If you don't want a man unhappy politically, don’t give him to sides to a question to worry him; give him one." they have controlled all aspects that are needed in society. Another symbol in the book is the Sieve and the Sand. Giving a flashback to his childhood, he remembered trying to fill a sieve with sand, but "the faster he poured, the faster it sifted through." he connected this when he began to read. He thought that "if you read fast and read all, maybe some of the sand will stay in the sieve." he was quickly disappointed and frustrated when he didn’t understand and didn’t remember what he was reading. He then decided to speak with Faber, who was an old acquaintance who could explain to him what he was reading. Lastly, the salamander, which was a symbol of the firemen and the fire truck itself. The Salamander represented the total experience of burning books and the destruction of literature. "Beatty never drove, but he was driving tonight, slamming the Salamander around corners, leaning forward high on the drivers throne." every time they answer an alarm-report on the telephone, they feel like the are making the world a better place. However, they are just ever so slowly destroying their society.