Fahrenheit 451 - Symbolism
"Symbols are used to present ideas and point toward new meanings. Most frequently, a
specific object will be used to refer to (or symbolize) a more abstract concept. The repeated
appearance of an object suggests a non-literal, or figurative, meaning attached to the object. Symbols
are often found in the book’s title, at the beginning and end of the story, within a profound action, or
in the name or personality of a character. The life of a novel is perpetuated by generations of readers
interpreting and reinterpreting the main symbols. By identifying and understanding symbols, readers
can reveal new interpretations of the novel.
Bradbury repeats and expands certain images. Front porches and rocking chairs symbolize the
past, a time when people intermingled without the distraction of electronic screens. The Mechanical
Hound, an especially important symbol, represents Montag’s modern world and the deadly
possibilities around every corner." - taken from
http://www.neabigread.org/books/fahrenheit451/teachers/f451lesson06.pdf
fire - represents two things: destruction and togetherness; creation
 p. 139 "It was not burning, it was warming."
books - knowledge
the Electronic Hound - danger, the future (technology)
fire fighters - the law
Guy Montag - change
parlor women - ignorance
Faber - the past, before society went downhill
Beatty - corruption, hypocrisy, selfishness
the river, bomb- new beginnings
Mildred - conformity
Phoenix (Greek mythology)- symbolizes rebirth
 p. 156 "But every time he burnt himself, he sprung out of the ashes... all over again."
kerosene - change in Montag's character due to the lady's death
 p. 4 "'Kerosene', he said...because the silence lengthened...perfume to me."
 p. 47 "[Montag] pressed at the pain in his eyes, and suddenly the odor of kerosene made him
vomit."
Clarisse - curiosity, provocateur, new ideas, individuality
 p. 7 "She says, 'Are you happy?'"
Fahrenheit 451 - Symbolism
"Symbols are used to present ideas and point toward new meanings. Most frequently, a
specific object will be used to refer to (or symbolize) a more abstract concept. The repeated
appearance of an object suggests a non-literal, or figurative, meaning attached to the object. Symbols
are often found in the book’s title, at the beginning and end of the story, within a profound action, or
in the name or personality of a character. The life of a novel is perpetuated by generations of readers
interpreting and reinterpreting the main symbols. By identifying and understanding symbols, readers
can reveal new interpretations of the novel.
Bradbury repeats and expands certain images. Front porches and rocking chairs symbolize the
past, a time when people intermingled without the distraction of electronic screens. The Mechanical
Hound, an especially important symbol, represents Montag’s modern world and the deadly
possibilities around every corner." - taken from
http://www.neabigread.org/books/fahrenheit451/teachers/f451lesson06.pdf
Student Activity:
1. note what you think the following symbols mean
2. Provide 1-2 examples and quotes to support your thinking (if possible).
fire books the Electronic Hound fire fighters Guy Montag parlor women Faber Beatty the river, bomb Mildred Phoenix (Greek mythology)kerosene
Clarisse -