Fahrenheit 451 - (C) Thoughts

Even though this book was given as a summer assignment, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bradbury's work. I normally do not prefer science fiction/futuristic type books, however, this was an exception. I did not get lost in the technological advances that some authors pre occupy themselves with in their writing. Instead, I was captivated by the story, and the overall message that knowledge is power.
The fact that Ray Bradbury wrote this book sometime in the 1950s shows how insecurities of the past interlock with insecurities and fears of the present and future. Bradbury's writing challenges his readers to look within themselves and evalute what they have done as people. Bradbury is always urging his readers to continue thinking, and to never take for granted their ability to think and question.
Bradbury did not put all his energy into making the readers believe in an immensely advanced future world. Although it was given that Montag's society was directed for the future, his writing would have withstood regardless of the time period. He could have made his characters from the 1400s or live under water and it would not have mattered because his message, his writing, and his characters were real and relatable.
This type of book stays with its audience because it is disturbing on so many levels. Though Fahrenheit 451 is fictional, it can also be modeled as what could be if the public and the society as a whole are not making themselves aware and taking responsibility for what is occuring in the world. Bradbury's writing is definitely a wake up call for those that continually stand by and take on the passive role opposed to be being the one that makes the change and the difference.

Fahrenheit 451- (A)Topic

Throughout Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451, his use of fire becomes quite apparent in the telling of Montag's journey as a firemen. Although the element of fire may seem obvious since it is his line of profession, the use of fire has so many different meanings.
For Montag's generation, fire solely represents destruction. Through fire the firemen destroy books, knowledge, life, and hope. The scene in which a woman burns in her house along with her prized books, portrays fire as demolishing all that she viewed as good as pure, but also as a cleansing, for that same fire is ridding her of a society that has held her captive in her own mind. The fire is freeing her from a world that will not accept her for who she is and what she wants out of life. Having been informed by these books what life could be like, the thought of going back to what was now expected in Montag's world, was unbearable. Fire was taking away the immense knowledge of literature, and was terminating her life; however, fire was also the reason she was able to escape.
Although Montag and the countless other firemen viewed the use of fire as a means to devastate, despite this negative outlook associated with fire, Montag was also able to recognize the good it could bring as well. When Montag is on the run from Beatty and the law, he meets the older men that were once scholars and great thinkers of another time. While Montag is talking with these men, they are gathered around a fire which is warming their bodies and hands. Montag is captivated by this fire, because unlike the situations he was used to, this fire is controlled. The fires created by the firemen are wild and untamed, whereas the fire created by these men exhibits control and management.
Fire can represent destruction, hate, terror and fear. However, fire also embodies hope, passion, drive, and life. Bradbury was able to reveal all the personalities of fire and all the possibilities to which it can symbolize.