Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451 - Themes

Fahrenheit 451 - Themes

Illumination Transformation Censorship Knowledge/Ignorance Religion 

Illumination

In Fahrenheit 451, the symbolic idea of illumination is at odds with the physical manifestation of flame. The former is indicative of the enlightenment - the period of history in which objective knowledge became the ultimate prize which saw humanity leave the so-called dark ages. 1953, the time of publication, had only recently seen the actions of Nazi Germany, where book burnings had become public spectacles of celebration, encouraged by the leadership to stifle intellectualism, which was seen as a threat to power. The mania of MacCarthyite communist-hunts was then sweeping the US, and Bradbury's novel was a reaction to the fear of ideas which was disguised as a form of patriotism.  

Book Burning Gif (binary/octet-stream)

Transformation

In the book, the firemen wear the symbol of the phoenix, which is a symbol of rebirth. Montag's transformation is brought about the influence of three women - Clarisse, Mildred and The Martyr. These women may be read as standing for the future, the present and the past. The old lady who burns along with her books epitomises a link with tradition that she refuses to relinquish. In contrast, Mildred is a depiction of the bleak present in Fahrenheit 451. She spurns new knowledge and has no time for anything other than her sleeping pills, her head-phones and her parlor-wall. All of these objects she uses to obfuscate the misery of her existence, which is made apparent by her overdose. Clarisse, on the other hand, is a hopeful vision of the future. Her natural inquisitiveness is a progenitor to the wisdom later found in Faber and Granger. Her death is a tragic omen, but one which propels Montag's trajectory away from the artificial and technological reality of his former life. Transformation is made manifest through flame, but also through water, which purifies both Montag's interactions with Clarisse as well as his later escape across the river.  

Censorship

Censorship 2 (binary/octet-stream)

Beatty explains that the firemen became destroyers because of laws which were enacted to protect the public from being 'offended'.  The analogy he uses is that Dog lovers became offended by books about cats and vice-versa.  While the text is unclear, it seems possible that freedom of expression was curtailed by 'minority' indignation. During the 1950's a very different brand of political correctness was at play than of today, but Bradbury's text seems to warning about the importance of free speech and the risks if it is ever curtailed, for whatever reason. 

knowledge/Ignorance

In Fahrenheit 451, ignorance is a result of the state-sponsored censorship and is maintained through the banal distractions of the parlor-wall, as well as the heavy use of what are, presumably, proscription drugs. This opioid crisis is made apparent by the intervention of the mechanical 'snake' used to treat Mildred.  The technicians' uncaring attitude is an alarm to Montag, who begins to realise the widespread nature of the societal malaise, as  illustrated by the frequency of similar events. Knowledge represents both an antidote to ignorance as well as an antidote to the dispassionate civilisation which it nurtures. In reading 'Dover Beach' to Mildred's friends, Montag is attempting to reach a depth of feeling which these women have long since buried.  Compassion, fraternity and a host of other virtues are made manifest by the community which hides in the woods. By extricating themselves from the ignorance of society-at-large, Granger's living books are free to explore both the intellect and the many emotions which literature engenders.

Religion

Fahrenheit 451 abounds with religious imagery. The most obvious example is in the demonic flames and devilish descriptions of Beatty engulfed in 'thunderheads of tobacco smoke.' The Mechanical Hound may be read as an artificial Cerberus - a hound-of-hell for Beatty's commands. Consider also, the snake-like technology that replaces Mildred's blood. Montag's decision to become the embodiment of The Bible sets him apart as the very opposite to Beatty. Montag is also the opposite to Lucifer - the angel, rising from a life of flame. 

Flame (binary/octet-stream)