thinking in their own ways. In Ray Bradbury “Fahrenheit 451”, the author uses fire, water, and
the Phoenix to as symbols to describe the great importance in Montag's society.
Bradbury first portrays fire as a destructive force, starting the novel with Montag burning
books. With the brainwashed mind in society, “it was [Montag’s] pleasure to burn” (Bradbury 1).
In his description of the burning process, such as “venomous” to show the true nature of
Montag’s primary profession, and while it brought him joy, his main actions were truly
unbreakable. “...stomp out books and the freedom of the thought that books represent”
(Bradbury 110).The burning of the books is what describes Montag and who he is as a bipolar …show more content…
He uses fire as an important force to exclude himself from the real world and to
simply burn books.
Bradbury uses water to symbolize the cleansing of Montag's soul as he makes a new start
and reevaluates his life. Whole on the run from the government, Montag stopped and “Washed
his hands and face and toweled himself dry” (Bradbury 119). This shows that he was attempting
to cleanse himself of all evils and to rethink who he is. Montag “carried a few drops of this rain
with him on his face” (Bradbury 130). He stops to see Faber who helps him realize the
importance of the books and to eliminate his presence.
The phoenix represents Montag's rebirth, and his own repeated nature of life. Bradbury
connects the bird with Montag towards the end of the book. “There was a silly damn bird called
a Phoenix…” (Bradbury 156). This is when Montag’s life really plays out like a Phoenix in
numerous ways. When Montag's mind is opened to other ideas, he wants to consider other ways
of living his life. “...Phoenix never had…” (Bradbury 156). Montag recognizes his new ways