Allusions and Symbols in Fahrenheit 451
Essay Preview: Allusions and Symbols in Fahrenheit 451
Report this essay
Allusions-
Page 40; “We shall this day light such a candle, by Gods grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out” – This is an allusion to a quote by Hugh Latimer who said this to his friend Nicholas Ridley, as they were both about to be burned as heretics for their teachings and beliefs.
Page 34; “Established, 1790, to burn english influenced books in the colonies. First fireman, Benjamin Franklin.” – This depicts Benjamin Franklin as the first fireman to burn books when it was actually Benjamin Franklin who established the first fire brigade in Philadelphia to put fires out, not burn books.
Page 76; “Do I turn in Mr. Jefferson?” – This is a reference to Thomas Jefferson related on the constitution and the Declaration on Independence.
Name allusion; “Clarisse” – This name comes from the latin term meaning “clear”. Clarisse is very clear and always speaks what is on her mind. Page 9; “(my uncle) drove forty miles per hour and they jailed him for two days. Isnt that funny, and sad, too?”
Page 100;
“The Sea of Faith
Was once, too, at the full, and round earths shore
Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furld.
But now I only hear
Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,
Retreating, to the breath
Of the night-wind, down the vast edges drear
And naked shingles of the world.”- This is the third stanza from a poem called Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold. The poem was referenced in the novel to evoke emotion in the people listening.
Page 108; “Galaxys 5 Star Shelf” – This is an allusion to Galaxy Science Fiction, which an American science fiction magazine, published from 1950 to 1980.
Page 59; “They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts,” – This is a literally allusion to Little Black Sambo and Uncle Toms Cabin.
Page 86; “Remember Caesar, thou art mortal” – Allusion