“We can’t do anything. We can’t burn these. I want to look at them, at least look at them once. Then if what the Captain says is true, we’ll burn them together, believe me, we’ll burn them together. You must help me.”
Guy Montag, Page 66
Why did Montag choose to leave the peaceful life by saving the books and put himself in danger? I think that Montag made this decision in order to fill the emptiness of his life. Day after day burning books and listening to mind controlling television his satisfaction of life had turned to a point where he had sacrificed his very own life. Seems very ironic that Montag had given away his life to fulfill his own life?
Fahrenheit-451
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Post #2 by Ryo
The mechanical hound slept but did not sleep, lived but did not live in its gently humming, gently vibrating, softly illuminated kennel back in a dark corner of the firehouse. P.24
In this quote, I think that author Ray Bradbury used a metaphor to compare the hounds to the people that live in that time. Just like the hounds, the people are living as an organism but from a readers perspective, they are close to dead because of how they are “living”. The people in this novel only believe and act on what they see on television, and they lose the ability to give personal opinions.
But as the book advances, characters such as Montag starts to gain new ideas. At the start of the novel, he believed in what society thought was right. But after getting questioned by Clarisse, he starts to rebel against the socialism that he learned from television, and starts to believe in his own independent actions. I believe that this movement towards escape from society was the most important step that Montag took in the whole novel, because it caused many people to regain the true humanity that was lost long ago.
In this quote, I think that author Ray Bradbury used a metaphor to compare the hounds to the people that live in that time. Just like the hounds, the people are living as an organism but from a readers perspective, they are close to dead because of how they are “living”. The people in this novel only believe and act on what they see on television, and they lose the ability to give personal opinions.
But as the book advances, characters such as Montag starts to gain new ideas. At the start of the novel, he believed in what society thought was right. But after getting questioned by Clarisse, he starts to rebel against the socialism that he learned from television, and starts to believe in his own independent actions. I believe that this movement towards escape from society was the most important step that Montag took in the whole novel, because it caused many people to regain the true humanity that was lost long ago.
5. "I feel alive for the first time in years," said Faber. page 131
I chose this quote because it shows how even someone who is not happy with their life can change. This proves that anyone can be enjoying and living their life. This quote is important to the novel because it was the turning point of Faber's thinking. After he witnessed a house that was burning get he realized he was not as scared as he used to be on the job. Faber said he should have never been frightened about these types of situations. This is quote is significant to me because I know I have to live my life to the fullest.
6. "You know my name," said Montag. page 147
I picked this quote not only because it is important to the book but also your name is especially important to you clearly so people know who you are. I think your name can come in handy for security reasons. The quote is important to the novel because after Montag's face had been on the news on T.V. because he escaped from the police and firemen Granger would have known Montag's name even if they didn't know each other earlier. The reason for that is because he was on the news and Granger even told Montag that he saw him on T.V. This quote is significant to me because on written contracts you should have your own personal signature so that it is clear that you are the correct person and not someone who is committing identity theft.
I chose this quote because it shows how even someone who is not happy with their life can change. This proves that anyone can be enjoying and living their life. This quote is important to the novel because it was the turning point of Faber's thinking. After he witnessed a house that was burning get he realized he was not as scared as he used to be on the job. Faber said he should have never been frightened about these types of situations. This is quote is significant to me because I know I have to live my life to the fullest.
6. "You know my name," said Montag. page 147
I picked this quote not only because it is important to the book but also your name is especially important to you clearly so people know who you are. I think your name can come in handy for security reasons. The quote is important to the novel because after Montag's face had been on the news on T.V. because he escaped from the police and firemen Granger would have known Montag's name even if they didn't know each other earlier. The reason for that is because he was on the news and Granger even told Montag that he saw him on T.V. This quote is significant to me because on written contracts you should have your own personal signature so that it is clear that you are the correct person and not someone who is committing identity theft.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
"It had an eye"
“It had an eye. The impersonal operator of the machine could, by wearing a special optical helmet, gaze into the soul of the person whom he was pumping out. What did the eye see? He did not say. He saw but did not see what the Eye saw. The entire operation was not unlike the digging of a trench in one’s yard. The woman on the bed was no more than a hard stratum of marble they had reached. Go on, anyway, shove the bore down, slush up the emptiness, if such a thing could be brought out in the throb of the suction snake. The operator stood smoking a cigarette.” (Page 14, Narrator/Guy Montag's inner monologue)
We’re barely into the beginning of Fahrenheit 451 when we’re confronted with this interesting section of text. While the author Ray Bradbury could’ve just as easily told us (the readers) what sort of a world/society the narrative would take place in, he instead showed us how vastly different of a world Guy Montag lives in. It seems as if in the future people have access to more advanced technology, being able to bring back Montag’s wife back from despite a massive overdose of sleeping pills. Imagine all that with little to no effort, not even requiring a medical doctor! Indeed “the operator stood smoking a cigarette” casually, after all why would he be amazed? In the world of Fahrenheit 451 this technology is obviously widespread enough, undoubtedly saving many lives in a year. Yet Bradbury drops not-so-subtle hints that all is not as good as it may seem.
By referring to the technology as something with an “eye” that “gaze(d) into the soul of the person” Bradbury is using personification, a basic literary device to give us the readers the feeling as if the breathing apparatus was alive. So we’ve established 2 basic facts, technology has advanced greatly in Bradbury’s future and the average citizen views the technology as living organisms. If you put these 2 facts together, you’ll come to the conclusion that the average denizens of this futuristic world don’t truly comprehend the science or principles behind their technology. As strange as it might sound, by embracing technology so freely the people have lost their understanding of how it originally worked and instead just treat it as if it just magically works for them as if it were a benevolent organism instead of the piece of technology it actually is. By showing us instead of just telling us about what sort of dystopian society Guy Montag lives in, Bradbudy allows us to insert our own imagery within the confines of his story, making it that much more effective.
Fahrenheit 451
1. " I like to smell things and look at things, and sometimes stay up all night , walking, and watch the sunrise. pg.7
This quote is important to this book because Clarisse is the only human being who has lots of feelings and appreciate nature. She is the only remains of the past. She sets the contrast in the novel between the past and the future. This quote is important to me because spending time out side is better and healthier than sitting in front of the T.V. It's disappointing to see that nobody else really cares about nature. In my opinion this quote emphasises how technology is taking over people's lives.
2. " He says I am a regular onion! I keep him busy peeling away the layers! pg.22
This quote is important to the book because it shows how people that Clarisse differently only because she is the opposite of them, has different interests, and has feelings. It shows readers that the society in the future doesn't show any interest in nature and people. This quote is important to me because it shows me how a regular human being can be complicated figure to understand. It also tells me that if I want to get to know another person and discover his or her feelings. In this quotation the layers stand for complexity of a human being.
3. "Mrs. Phelps was crying. The other in the middle of the desert watched her crying grow very loud as her face squeezed itself out of shape. They sat, not touching her, bewildered with her display. She sobbed uncontrollably. Montag himself was stunned and shaken." pg.100
This quote is important to the book because it shows that some people can be moved and can display emotions while listening to poetry. It also shows that feelings can be evoked in some of the characters in this novel. This quote is important to me because I was really surprised that among emotionless people there were still exceptions and there were people who could still feel.
4. "...And the silly thought came to him, if you read fast and read all, maybe some of the sand will stay in the sieve."pg.78
This quote is important to this book because it shows that people can learn from reading books. There were still people in the novel that believed in the power of literature and reading and using knowledge gained during reading in their lives. This quote is quote is important to me because I like the association of sand to knowledge and the sieve to brain. I believe that a person can learn a lot by reading and I am glad that the main character in this novel, Montag, realized that as well.
This quote is important to this book because Clarisse is the only human being who has lots of feelings and appreciate nature. She is the only remains of the past. She sets the contrast in the novel between the past and the future. This quote is important to me because spending time out side is better and healthier than sitting in front of the T.V. It's disappointing to see that nobody else really cares about nature. In my opinion this quote emphasises how technology is taking over people's lives.
2. " He says I am a regular onion! I keep him busy peeling away the layers! pg.22
This quote is important to the book because it shows how people that Clarisse differently only because she is the opposite of them, has different interests, and has feelings. It shows readers that the society in the future doesn't show any interest in nature and people. This quote is important to me because it shows me how a regular human being can be complicated figure to understand. It also tells me that if I want to get to know another person and discover his or her feelings. In this quotation the layers stand for complexity of a human being.
3. "Mrs. Phelps was crying. The other in the middle of the desert watched her crying grow very loud as her face squeezed itself out of shape. They sat, not touching her, bewildered with her display. She sobbed uncontrollably. Montag himself was stunned and shaken." pg.100
This quote is important to the book because it shows that some people can be moved and can display emotions while listening to poetry. It also shows that feelings can be evoked in some of the characters in this novel. This quote is important to me because I was really surprised that among emotionless people there were still exceptions and there were people who could still feel.
4. "...And the silly thought came to him, if you read fast and read all, maybe some of the sand will stay in the sieve."pg.78
This quote is important to this book because it shows that people can learn from reading books. There were still people in the novel that believed in the power of literature and reading and using knowledge gained during reading in their lives. This quote is quote is important to me because I like the association of sand to knowledge and the sieve to brain. I believe that a person can learn a lot by reading and I am glad that the main character in this novel, Montag, realized that as well.
Post #1 by Ryo
“It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed.”
Narrator, Page 3
This is how the novel “ Fahrenheit 451” starts. The beginning gives an image of the antagonist of this novel, but this quote is referring to the main character, Guy Montag. It may seem quite odd that the main protagonist would pleasure such action, but in the world of Fahrenheit 451, this action is considered justice. This quote is important because it clarifies the objective of Montag at the beginning of the novel. And from that point readers are able to question themselves about the main character.
Montag believes that his actions, which is to burn books, is justice. Even if I were to live in the same world as Montag, I don’t think that burning precious pieces of art and literature is justice. The interesting things about this novel is that the author does not mention anything about the past, such as the reason why books are getting burned or why Montag chose to become a fireman. These questions are very important to the story, but I think the author doesn’t mention about the past because either it is because there is too much to answer or because it wasn’t necessary to answer because he wanted to make this novel completely in the point of Montag.
Narrator, Page 3
This is how the novel “ Fahrenheit 451” starts. The beginning gives an image of the antagonist of this novel, but this quote is referring to the main character, Guy Montag. It may seem quite odd that the main protagonist would pleasure such action, but in the world of Fahrenheit 451, this action is considered justice. This quote is important because it clarifies the objective of Montag at the beginning of the novel. And from that point readers are able to question themselves about the main character.
Montag believes that his actions, which is to burn books, is justice. Even if I were to live in the same world as Montag, I don’t think that burning precious pieces of art and literature is justice. The interesting things about this novel is that the author does not mention anything about the past, such as the reason why books are getting burned or why Montag chose to become a fireman. These questions are very important to the story, but I think the author doesn’t mention about the past because either it is because there is too much to answer or because it wasn’t necessary to answer because he wanted to make this novel completely in the point of Montag.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Post #4
The symbolism of fire.
"What is fire? It's a mystery.....Its real beauty is that it destroys responsibility and consequences. A problem gets too burdensome, then into the furnace with it." (Beatty, page 115)
Fire burns everything; including books. The books are burned, simply because the society does not accept them for the possibility of 'corrupting people's minds.'
The ongoing theme in this book is the uses of fire; when a character is burdened with something, another may advise to him, "just throw it in the furnace and be done with it." An example is when Montag reveals his secret stash of books to his wife: Mildred is terrified when she finds out, because of the consequences they'll have to face when someone finds out and pulls the alarm. So fearing the consequences and the responsibilities of being a book owner, she urges Montag to burn them quickly. Just throw them in the furnace and everything will be back to 'normal.'
The above quote is very important because it shows how fire is portrayed in the book: simple method of destruction. Through the quote we realize that the books are 'burdens' to the society so therefore they must be dealt with. And since the fire is a main theme of this novel, we are introduced to what fire really symbolizes:
Censorship.
Books corrupt minds. Burn them. Books will result in consequences - people having different ideas and opinions. So burn them. The theme of this novel is censorship: as some civilizations have done before, the society in the novel are censoring books and banning publishers because they want to plant different meaning of life. They don't want people to reach their potential of deep, virtuous, and thoughtful people.
The fire symbolizes the government's intention of destruction. Its beautiful appearances deceive; its true intention is to destroy everything. Burn them out of existence.
This is another example of people being shallow; in the book whenever there is a book/house burning, neighbors come out and watch the 'spectacle.' They think it's beautiful, and it surely is, if you don't know the meaning behind it. The ugly truth is that, the society is using censorship. But the people - firm believers of their so-called facts - cannot interpret the meaning of book burning and only enjoy them because they look nice.
The irony is that, after Captain Beatty says the quote above, he is murdered by...none other than fire. He too, was burned out of existence.
However, such symbolization contradicts later on:
"That small motion, the white and red color, a strange fire because it meant a different thing to him.
It was not burning. It was warming.
...He hadn't know fire could look this way. He had never thought in his life that it could give as well as take..." (Montag, pages 145-146)
This quote shows the other side of fire; the giving part. This quote is important because it shows that in the hands of other people, fire can symbolize something less sinister. In this case, fire symbolizes warmth and hope, as Montag - after a brutal escape down the river - finally finds the ex-professors and is given new hope and warmth. There are people like him living in the world.
I can understand Montag's reaction. He was awestruck at such sight of fire giving warmth to men because as a fireman, he had only witnessed all the burning and destruction fire had caused ceaselessly. He was also reluctant to approach the bonfire and the men, and I understand that because Captain Beatty had told him about the intention of fire, and as a fireman he surely believed that.
The quote "It was not burning. It was warming," is really important to me because I can surely make out the difference between those two words. Even though fire both burns and warms, they carry such opposite meanings.
***For example, if I stick my hand in the fire, and I scream, "It burns!" It would be totally different than me saying, "Ah, it's warm!"
"What is fire? It's a mystery.....Its real beauty is that it destroys responsibility and consequences. A problem gets too burdensome, then into the furnace with it." (Beatty, page 115)
Fire burns everything; including books. The books are burned, simply because the society does not accept them for the possibility of 'corrupting people's minds.'
The ongoing theme in this book is the uses of fire; when a character is burdened with something, another may advise to him, "just throw it in the furnace and be done with it." An example is when Montag reveals his secret stash of books to his wife: Mildred is terrified when she finds out, because of the consequences they'll have to face when someone finds out and pulls the alarm. So fearing the consequences and the responsibilities of being a book owner, she urges Montag to burn them quickly. Just throw them in the furnace and everything will be back to 'normal.'
The above quote is very important because it shows how fire is portrayed in the book: simple method of destruction. Through the quote we realize that the books are 'burdens' to the society so therefore they must be dealt with. And since the fire is a main theme of this novel, we are introduced to what fire really symbolizes:
Censorship.
Books corrupt minds. Burn them. Books will result in consequences - people having different ideas and opinions. So burn them. The theme of this novel is censorship: as some civilizations have done before, the society in the novel are censoring books and banning publishers because they want to plant different meaning of life. They don't want people to reach their potential of deep, virtuous, and thoughtful people.
The fire symbolizes the government's intention of destruction. Its beautiful appearances deceive; its true intention is to destroy everything. Burn them out of existence.
This is another example of people being shallow; in the book whenever there is a book/house burning, neighbors come out and watch the 'spectacle.' They think it's beautiful, and it surely is, if you don't know the meaning behind it. The ugly truth is that, the society is using censorship. But the people - firm believers of their so-called facts - cannot interpret the meaning of book burning and only enjoy them because they look nice.
The irony is that, after Captain Beatty says the quote above, he is murdered by...none other than fire. He too, was burned out of existence.
However, such symbolization contradicts later on:
"That small motion, the white and red color, a strange fire because it meant a different thing to him.
It was not burning. It was warming.
...He hadn't know fire could look this way. He had never thought in his life that it could give as well as take..." (Montag, pages 145-146)
This quote shows the other side of fire; the giving part. This quote is important because it shows that in the hands of other people, fire can symbolize something less sinister. In this case, fire symbolizes warmth and hope, as Montag - after a brutal escape down the river - finally finds the ex-professors and is given new hope and warmth. There are people like him living in the world.
I can understand Montag's reaction. He was awestruck at such sight of fire giving warmth to men because as a fireman, he had only witnessed all the burning and destruction fire had caused ceaselessly. He was also reluctant to approach the bonfire and the men, and I understand that because Captain Beatty had told him about the intention of fire, and as a fireman he surely believed that.
The quote "It was not burning. It was warming," is really important to me because I can surely make out the difference between those two words. Even though fire both burns and warms, they carry such opposite meanings.
***For example, if I stick my hand in the fire, and I scream, "It burns!" It would be totally different than me saying, "Ah, it's warm!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)