Examples Of Figurative Language In Fahrenheit 451

Thesis: Despite the use of explicit language in Fahrenheit 451, it should be studies in schools for it conveys an important message of thinking for yourself and places emphasis on the value of written text and literature as a whole.

First of all, Clarisse has a major impact on the development of Guy Montag. Clarisse is a young high school girl who enjoys nature. She happens to be neighbours with Guy Montag and his wife, Mildred.

Clarisse tells Montag this, and it makes him wonder if anyone really does care. Montag realizes that he lives in a world of conceited people. He realizes that he does not really care about anyone, including his wife Mildred. People in his society don't think about others feelings when acting. From this, Montag learns the meaning of caring. He learns what a terrible place it is to live in, where no one cares about anyone but themselves. This only changes Montag for the better. At one point, Montag and the other firemen go to a house because a lady has books concealed in her home. The lady, not concerned about being burned to death, is determined to stay with her books. Montag is stunned by her decision, and cares very much about her safety. “Montag placed his hand on the woman's elbow. 'You can come with me'” (Bradbury 39) This is a turning point for Montag, in which he starts to care about everyone and their feelings.

The tone of the excerpt from Ray Bradbury’s book Fahrenheit 451 is desperate, as portrayed through two literary devices. Figurative language is used to express an idea by utilizing a unique set of words. “ He (Montag) felt his smile slide away, fold over and down on itself like tallow skin, like the stuff of a fantastic candle burning too long and now collapsing and now blown out” (Bradbury 9) is a hyperbole. The previous quote’s meaning was that the smile disappeared, as it was too happy for Montag to handle; but it was wonderful nonetheless. By stating that the fantastic candle had blown out, means that Montag was sorrowful to have his smile leave and, therefore, wanted it back. The quote his accurately depicts to the tone. Descriptions used

Elaborating upon the above themes, Ray Bradbury makes use of sentence length (syntax), and imagery to expand upon the recollections he gained through his experiences in World War II.

In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury tells a story about the utopian future where the government controls human identity. In that society there is no place for free thoughts. Those who read are outlawed and sometimes killed. On the first pages of the novel, Juan Jimenez wrote a striking quote:” If they give you ruled paper write the other way”, and that quote pretty much shows the author’s attitude toward public pressure, censorship and oppression. It unquestionably can be stated that without knowledge there is no freedom, books- are the only answer to the demise of the oppressor.

Clarisse affected Montag by showing him how to be curious and adventurous and teaching Montag to try new things. Montag being a fireman doesn't know what he is doing for his society, by him burning books everyone's knowledge goes down. Clarisse is not for society, she is more free minded then Montag "'I rarely watch the 'parlor walls' or go to races or Fun Parks. So I've lots of time for crazy thoughts, I guess.'"(9). She is against watching the parlor and doing stuff society wants you to do. Montag will be affected by this and learn from this, he will later be against watching the parlor. Clarisse's attitude to life is good too, it seems like she is the light in a dark room. She also always has something interesting to say this makes Montag want to be around her "'Let me come in. I won't say anything. I just want to listen. What is it you're saying?'" (17)Montag wants hear what she has to say for there is always something interesting to be heard when she is talking.

Clarisse talks about her class mates who never ask questions to their teacher. This story makes Montag think about what education is.

Unquestionably, all novels can convey multiple meanings depending on a variety of factors with the most important being the manner in which the audience interprets the author’s words. More importantly, to professionally draw conclusions concerning the message the author demonstrates throughout a text, it is essential to discuss and apply the five literary elements of literature to the text. In greater detail, when a work itself is criticized or evaluated, usually one literary element is focused on to prove an argument pertaining to a novel. To bring the topic into focus, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 possesses many points that could be argued in contradictory ways based upon factual

Clarisse is a curious girl about her environment, how the earth has evolved, and the past. She rubs off on Montag, which could lead to a dramatic change in his life.

Fahrenheit 451 utilizes indirect characterization to project an image of a dystopian future ravaged by war and without freedom of thought. This is evident in the fact that

In Montag’s line from Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury the author uses a hyperbole to develop a sense of familiarity between the two. “Whys is it, I feel I’ve known you so many years?” This insinuates that Montag has grown close with Clarisse in a platonic way. This shows how much Montag has learned within a short amount of time from being with Clarisse. Additionally when Ray Bradbury writes “Because I like you and I don’t want anything from you,” it implies that despite not knowing each other for long they feel like they have, due to the fact that they both enjoy each other’s company. This hyperbole shows that sometimes you can know someone for years and still not truly know who they are, this gives a sense of realization of how poor Mildred

“Are You Happy” (10,2)? ~ Clarisse to Montag Clarisse, the female protagonist up until her end, said this to Montag, the main character, after they first met. After asking this question, Clarisse leaves Montag, dumbfounded at the question she had just asked, to his own thoughts. They continued to walk home together until Clarisse passed away. Clarisse was an important character in the book, and admittedly, in the movie as well.

She claims to know a time when violence and murder was not considered the norm or a source of amusement. Today, we have moral values and a great majority would argue that violence and murder is wrong just like Clarisse who has the ability to think to herself and by herself. Throughout the first half of the book, the audience ascertains through Clarisse how important it is for a human to be able to have freedom not just physically but

Clarisse says, “I tell them that sometimes I just sit and think”(21). Finally, Montag is made aware of this simplicity. When he is trying to find happiness himself, he remembers that Clarisse finds contenment through siting, observing and thinking. Montag begins to notice that his wife is a foil as she had never done either one of those things. Bradbury supports Jameson’s quote of happiness by showing how Mildred is suicidal and has no connection with people and her only connection is with her “Family” in the walls on Television. Montag begins to find himself and starts to realize that he really doesn’t care about Mildred, that she is an empty vessel. Later in the book Montage feels a stronger connection to a girl that he has only spoken to a handful of times versus his own wife whom he is suppose to have a strong connection. When Montage almost died by getting run over he says, “I wonder if they were the ones who killed Clarisse! He wanted to run after them yelling. His eyes watered.” (114). Montag knew Mildred for years yet he realizes that when she leaves him she will never miss him or mourn him; Montag feels closer with Clarisse as marvels at her idea of happiness. Montag starts to develop deeper feelings about thoughtful people like Clarisse. He would cry for this girl he barely knew more than he would for his own wife whom he felt no connection to.