Fahrenheit 451 Symbols

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looks and acts, he could tell that he was different from everyone else in their city. The modern meaning for ‘walking circles around someone’ is defined as being able to outdo someone. This alludes to Clarisse knowing more than Guy and being more open-minded. “She laughed at this. ‘Good night!’ She started up her walk. Then she seemed to remember something and came back to look at him with wonder and curiosity. ‘Are you happy?’ she said. ‘Am I what?’ he cried. But she was already gone--running in the moonlight. Her front door shut gently.” (Bradbury 10). After their late night conversation, and them talking about Montag’s job and the history of firemen, she returns to ask if he’s happy. He says later that night while in his house that he is happy, at least he thinks. As we go through the book however we find out that he begins to realize he’s not. And is determined to find out why. He assesses the situation and realizes and turns to the only thing that seems to be missing is books.

Captain Beatty, symbolizes a governing body who tries to keep the “millennials” and other minorities in check and under his control. In the novel, it says, “‘There’s a phoenix car just drove up and a man in a black shirt with an orange snake stitched on his arm coming up the front walk.’ ‘Captain Beatty?’ he said…. ‘We’d certainly miss you if you didn’t show,’ said Beatty, putting his pipe in his pocket thoughtfully. I’ll never come in again, thought Montag. ‘Get well and keep well,’ said Beatty. He turned and went out through the open door.” (Bradbury 52-63). This whole conversation shows that Beatty has knowledge from the books and shows that he once was curious and read them. His education goes to show when he used book quotes against Montag. Beatty stood near the drop hole waiting, but with his back turned as if he were not waiting…. ‘.... We all have our harps to play. And it’s up to you now to know with which ear you’ll listen.’” (Bradbury 104-108). Also during these times Beatty seems to know exactly what Montag is thinking and exactly how to combat his thoughts. This activity also correlates to modern times of something of a higher power. Today our government is very educated and knows how to control those it rules, and it can combat the thoughts of uprise.

Fahrenheit 451 shows what is wrong society and the detriments that technology can have. This book not only shows what could happen but what will happen if people continue to act the way the do. Many aspects of the book connect to many parts of today’s society. In modern times firemen don’t go around burning homes and books but millennials are obsessed with technology and need instant gratification like Mildred, open-minded and awakened people tried to make any change they can like Montag and Clarisse, and the government with do anything to keep people under control.