Symbolism in Fahrenheit 451

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Visualize a world where books and unique thoughts are forbidden and or heavily restricted as the government attempts to keep individuals from thinking for themselves. While most would dismiss this situation as impossible, in Ray Bradbury’s famous novel Fahrenheit 451, this “unfathomable” dystopian is considered normal, every day life. Although the content and description of the futuristic story make the novel moving, the amazing use of symbolism throughout the chronicle is what truly gives the book its profound significance. Bradbury warns his audience what may happen if novels and society’s ability to be inimitable are ripped away by incorporating the symbols of Guy Montag’s rebirth in the river, how replacing Mildred’s blood did not revitalize her soul, and the sieve and the sand to gaining and retaining facts and knowledge. One event that occurs during times of traumatic change is the renaissance or rebirth of an individual. During the story, Guy decides to leave the city forever and runs away to the forest where he joins the group of rebels. After making a daring escape from the mechanical hounds and helicopters, Guy’s personality and ideas about life start to change and a resurgence of his personality and outlook on life occur. For instance, Bradbury states in part three, Burning Bright, of his novel, “He touched it, just to be sure it was real. He waded in and stripped in darkness to the skin, splashing his arms, legs, and head with raw liquor; drank it and snuffed some up his nose... Then, holding the suitcase, he walked out in the river until there was no bottom and he was swept away in the dark.” (139). It is obvious through this quote that the river represents Guy’s rebirth as he leaves his old life behind for a new life within the Forrest. However, just as in a real birth, Guy cannot be thrust out into this new world immediately but instead needs time to

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