Fahrenheit 451 Analysing quotations Identify techniques 1 Repetition

Fahrenheit 451 Analysing quotations

Identify techniques 1. Repetition, word choice, metaphor 9. Long sentence, repetition, word choice, personification 15. Short sentences, repetition, word choice 26. Word choice, metaphor 45. Exclamation mark, word choice, personification 46. Long sentence, metaphor, word choice

Literal meaning 46. Faber is telling Montag that the firemen are not needed to keep the order. This builds on his point that the public turned against knowledge and books and therefore are not forced to follow these rules. Instead firemen provide instant entertainment and interest and amaze people with the view of the flames as they burn houses of the guilty.

Analysis 46. Metaphor of circus – Just as a circus is a form of entertainment which is very exaggerated and over the top, so the job of the firemen is to interest the public and cause them to feel excitement at the fact that their neighbours’ houses are being destroyed. Long sentence – this allows Faber to give a lot of detail about the job of the firemen and the true fact that the negative aspects of society are enjoyed, supported and encouraged by the general public rather than being forced on them by the government. Word choice of “pretty blaze” – connotations of positivity and beauty associated with the flames, illustrating that people in this society view this violent punishment as amazing, beautiful and entertainment rather than terrifying. Word choice of “hardly necessary” suggests that there is no practical reason to continue burning books other than to provide additional entertainment.

Themes 1. Technology, nature, Contrast 9. Control, ignorance vs. knowledge, Emotions, Contrast 15. Control, Emotions, Confusion 26. Ignorance vs. knowledge, Hope 45. Emotions, Ignorance vs. knowledge, violence, control 46. Control, ignorance vs. knowledge, violence