Montag’s Gradual Change in the Book Farenheit 451 Essay

In the book , Farenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, there are a lot of symbols present. But, the most omnipresent symbol is the fire symbol. The plot of this book depends solely on this symbol. The reason for this symbol’s importance is that Montag’s changing attitudes reflect the differing meanings of the fire symbol. If one examines the way Bradbury uses the fire symbol to reveal Montag’s attitude towards life and his society, one recognizes that everything has good and bad qualities. It is in also in one’s best interest to take only the good. At the beginning of the book, the fire symbol represents destruction and reveals Montag’s unquestioning correspondence with society. This can be proven when, the firemen, with 451 (the temperature†¦show more content†¦To start the beginning of his new life, Montag looks at fire positively, therefore changing fire’s meaning to warmth and togetherness. This occurs when Montag travels the railr oad and spots a â€Å"strange fire† that is â€Å"warming† (147). This really sets Montag up for a more positive outlook on life as it changes in his perception of fire. He begins to see fire as more of an asset than a restriction. In addition (connecting word), when fire cooks the â€Å"bacon† while the â€Å"men watched this ritiual silently† (165), the author shows that fire has brought the men together and is a benefit rather than a detriment (summary phrase). Although the fire symbol is seen as a symbol of community, it changes again to reveal Montag’s need to reform society at the end of the book. When â€Å"the first bomb† strikes, the entire city becomes â€Å"flat† (163-164). Consequently (connecting word), Montag’s slate gets wiped clean and so does the city’s. In other words, the fire symbol represents rebirth and reform. Montag and his intellectual friends now have an opportunity to change the society they once knew and hated. But the first thing they will do is â€Å"build a mirror factory†and â€Å"take a long look at them† (166). They will then examine past catastrophes to prevent them in the future. Basically, they are going to rebuild with the intention of never getting back to society’s old ways. This (pronoun) reinforces the fact that the fire symbol represents reform. As