A popular tagline for the book is “the temperature at which book-paper catches fire, and burns.” But 451°F actually refers
the auto-ignition point of paper
, meaning the temperature at which paper will burn if not exposed to an external flame, like that from Montag's flamethrower.
What is the historical significance of the title Fahrenheit 451?
The title page of the book explains the title as follows: Fahrenheit 451—
The temperature at which book paper catches fire and burns
…. On inquiring about the temperature at which paper would catch fire, Bradbury had been told that 451 °F (233 °C) was the autoignition temperature of paper.
What is special about 451 degrees?
Bradbury's title refers to the auto-ignition point of paper—the temperature at which it will catch fire without being exposed to an external flame. … Bradbury asserted that
“book-paper” burns
at 451 degrees, and it's true that different kinds of paper have different auto-ignition temperatures.
What is the symbolism of the title Fahrenheit 451 what happens at 451 degrees Fahrenheit?
The Backstory
Fahrenheit 451 presents a future dystopian American society where books are outlawed and “firemen” are charged with burning any that are found. It is named for the fact that at
451° paper catches fire and burns
.
What does Fahrenheit 451 symbolize?
Fire
serves as one of the most visible symbols in the text. The title of the novel itself, Fahrenheit 451, is itself a reference to fire, as it is the temperature at which paper will burn on its own. Bradbury uses fire to symbolize destruction, rebirth, as well as knowledge.
Why is Fahrenheit 451 a banned book?
Sometimes a few libraries will refuse to carry a certain book if they believe it is too offensive. Fahrenheit 451 was banned from a school district
because it used the phrase “God damn!” The
school board felt that this language was inappropriate for students to read.
What does Fahrenheit 451 teach us?
Freedom of Thought vs
.
The central theme of Fahrenheit 451 is the conflict between freedom of thought and censorship. The society that Bradbury depicts has voluntarily given up books and reading, and by and large the people do not feel oppressed or censored.
Is Fahrenheit 451 A good title?
“Fahrenheit 451” is an excellent title for this book
. Bradbury is being very sly in using this title. If you consider when the book was published and how far in the future these concepts would have been at this time it is not only sly but also very clever.
How old is Montag?
Guy Montag is
thirty years old
in Fahrenheit 451. He became a fireman at the age of twenty, and he has held the position for a decade.
What are some themes in Fahrenheit 451?
- Censorship. Censorship in the shape of banning books is one of the major themes of this futuristic novel. …
- Ignorance and Knowledge. …
- Life Versus Death. …
- Role of Technology. …
- Alienation and Dehumanization. …
- Power of Books. …
- Role of Mass Media. …
- Loss of Individuality.
Who bombed the city in Fahrenheit 451?
Montag immediately thinks of
Mildred
and wishes to save her. He yells her name as the first atomic bomb hits the city and can imagine the destruction in his mind. He falls to the ground, and his head begins to rush with memories of Mildred.
What are the titles of the three parts of Fahrenheit 451?
In Fahrenheit 451, briefly explain the significance of each of the three section's titles: “
The Hearth and the Salamander,” “The Sieve and the Sand,” and “Burning Bright.”
Are we living in Fahrenheit 451?
While Bradbury's predictions were hardly prophetic, and
we certainly do not live in a world where books
are burned such as in Fahrenheit 451, the novel's ideas are relevant to our technologically driven and media-saturated world.
What is the most important quote in Fahrenheit 451?
- “It was a pleasure to burn.” …
- “'Bet I know something else you don't. …
- “He was not happy. …
- “'Why is it,' he said, one time, at the subway entrance, ‘I feel I've known you so many years? …
- “'We need not to be let alone.
What are two symbols in Fahrenheit 451?
- Fire. Fire is an interesting symbol in Fahrenheit 451 because it symbolizes two different things. …
- The Phoenix. …
- The Hearth and the Salamander. …
- The Sieve and the Sand.
What does Montag symbolize?
Montag is initially presented as
a content citizen of a world where books are treated as dangerous
. The famous opening line of the novel, “It was a pleasure to burn,” is written from Montag's perspective. Montag revels in his work and is a respected member of society because of it.
