Symbolism is defined as “an artistic and poetic movement or style using symbolic images and indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind”
general article writing
Description
Outline Fahrenheit 451
Introduction
A. Symbolism is defined as “an artistic and poetic movement or style using symbolic images and
indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind” (Dictionary.com)
B. There are different symbols in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, but the most intriguing would
have to be the phoenix, the hearth and salamander, and finally the amount of blood.
C. The amount of symbolism in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is overwhelming.
Phoenix
A. What does it symbolize
1. Phoenix symbolizes rebirth
2. Montag goes through changes during the book.
B. How does it tie into the story
1. City is “reborn”
3. Montag is a part of the revolt
C. Effects it has on the story
1. Without the revolt, city would still be trapped
4. Changes the course of the book
Hearth & Salamander
A. What does it symbolize
1. Hearth- home
5. Salamander- work
B. How does it tie into the story
1. The hearth ties Montag’s home life into the story
6. The salamander ties Montag’s work life into the story
C. Effects it has on the story
1. Shows the emptiness of home life & realization that it is not really home
Outline Fahrenheit 451Page 2 of 2
7. The salamander represents the ability to live through fire, which is seen as Montag living
through the burning of the city & choosing books over fire
Blood
A. What does it symbolize
1. Primal instinct
8. Something illegal
B. How does it tie into the story
1. Every time Montag is doing something illegal, blood is mentioned
9. It also represents out with the old and in with the new
C. Effects it has on the story
1. Shows imagery on the effect breaking the law has on Montag
10. It shows the way the government is corrupting the minds of the people
Conclusion
A. Bradbury uses many symbols in his novel.
B. The three symbols that were written about were the phoenix, hearth and salamander, and
finally blood.
C. “Nothing adds depth and meaning to a story like symbolism. It acts as webbing between theme
and story. Themes alone can sound preachy, and stories alone can sound shallow. Symbolism
weaves the two together”
