Analysis of Literary Devices in Fahrenheit 451

Modern-day society became more detached throughout the years as people began to listen to others around them and fear new ideas. In Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, the author depicts a dystopian society where books are burned as a result of people being afraid of knowledge. The use of metaphors, symbolism, and irony by Bradbury in Fahrenheit 451 are used to illustrate his message about anti-intellectualism in modern-day society as well as people’s tendency to conform in their society. 

Generally speaking, the metaphors incorporated in the novel usually depict problems in Fahrenheit’s society that reflect the problems of modern society. For instance, In Beatty’s spout about society, Bradbury reflects the problem of anti-intellectualism in our society through the issues of Fahrenheit’s society. Bradbury writes, “A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon. Breach man's mind. Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man?” (56). Beatty refers to the books as a “gun,” because he believes that books are used as metaphorical weapons and are therefore a threat, along with the people who read them. The people in Fahrenheit’s society were afraid of intellectuals, who became viewed as untrustworthy, reflecting the fear our own society has about intellectualism. Bradbury reminds people through the anti-intellectualism metaphors that people should not view knowledge as a threat, as the people in Fahrenheit's society do. Instead of worrying about the next “target” of an intellectual person, society should learn from them and view their knowledge as an advantage, rather than a disadvantage.

Not only do the metaphors in the novel reflect anti-intellectualism in today’s society, but also the symbols in the novel. As an example, the phoenix symbolizes the rebirth of society and people’s ability to learn from the mistakes of history. At the end of the novel, Granger compares the bombing of the city to a phoenix rising from the ashes. He states that every time the phoenix “burnt himself up he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over again.” Granger then connects it to Fahrenheit’s society, mentioning that unlike the phoenix, humans "know all the damn silly things we’ve done for a thousand years.” As long as humans, “know that and always have it around where we can see it,” maybe society will, “stop making the goddamn funeral pyres and jumping in the middle of them”(156). Bradbury implies that as long as we learn from humans’ mistakes in the past through history and culture, we can be “reborn” like the phoenix and stop repeating the mistakes of our ancestors. If society continues to erase history, like how Fahrenheit’s society burned books, humans will never learn how to acknowledge their mistakes. The phoenix serves as a symbol of a new start for society after tragedy strikes.

In addition to the metaphors and symbols throughout the novel, situational irony also represents anti-intellectualism in today’s society. For example, Clarisse is viewed by society as not “normal,” while people like Mildred are viewed as normal. She tells Montag, “I’m antisocial, they say. I don’t mix. It’s so strange. I’m very social indeed. It all depends on what you mean by social, doesn’t it?” (26). Clarisse is different from the people of Fahrenheit’s society because she is not like others who only seek excitement and entertainment in life. Fahrenheit society’s definition of “antisocial” is ironic, because, in today's society, someone who is antisocial would not talk to many people. However, someone in Fahrenheit’s society is antisocial if they do not act as everyone else does. Clarisse does not fit into society because she is an intellectual person, caring more about nature than entertainment. Unlike Clarisse, people like Mildred use entertainment to keep them happy, not thinking about the world around them. Bradbury warns that people are starting to conform by seeking entertainment. He predicts that people will begin to stop caring about what is around them and look for thrills rather than meaning in life.

Bradbury emphasizes his message about modern-day society fearing intellectualism and endorsing conformity through the metaphors, symbols, and irony that appear throughout the novel. The tendency of Fahrenheit’s society to view knowledge as a threat, erase history, and seek excitement instead of knowledge reflects our own society’s struggle with anti-intellectualism and conformity. Many Americans in today’s society hold onto traditional beliefs even if evidence disproves them. The narrow minds of Americans mirror the apprehension of knowledge of the people of Fahrenheit’s society. As Americans refuse to accept new ideas, they conform to the beliefs of society, stunting the growth of knowledge. Bradbury warns people about the dangers of anti-intellectualism through Fahrenheit 451. In conclusion, people should not fear new ideas or view knowledge as a threat, instead, they should embrace different beliefs and not conform to what others around them believe.