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Running head: RESEARCH PAPER ON FAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY

Research paper on Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
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RESEARCH PAPER ON FAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY

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Research paper on Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Themes
The theme refers to the main idea that the author of a novel or other literary works is
trying to portray. It is the central or primary subject in the text. Themes are universal in nature
and application. In the novel Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury portrays different themes in the text.
The dominant theme throughout the novel is censorship. From the Fahrenheit 451, reading books
are banned and illegal in the society (Patai, 2013). The society members are mainly interested in
entertainment and speeding in their lives. Censorship refers to the suppression of either part or
entire books or films which are viewed as a threat to the status quo or well-being of the people in
the society. The author illustrates that literature works are unwanted in the society. However, the
novel does not explain the reason for banning books in future. It only states that a combination of
different factors can lead to this condition. For example, books are considered to simulate
revolution and anarchy through the questions asked. Also, they facilitate intellectual thinking
which may jeopardize the functioning of the government; a risk that those in power are not
willing to take.
Ray Bradbury envisioned a society with members who are indecisive and naïve hence
allowing the government to make decisions on their behalf even the harmful. They live a life of
denial and illusion where the television is viewed as the source of reality. The author also
expresses that the minority groups were offended by particular literature types. For example, in
the discussion between Montag and Beatty, the latter says that those persons who cherished dogs

RESEARCH PAPER ON FAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY

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were offended by literature works on cats and vice versa. The writer also feels censored when
receives letters demanding he revives his treatment on female or black characters.
The three characters that the author uses to develop this theme of knowledge versus
ignorance are Beatty, Montag, and Faber. Books are widely known for their ability to increase
knowledge among the readers. However, in the society, the main duty of the fireman is to
destroy books through burning. This act is aimed at reducing knowledge and ability of members
to seek knowledge hence promoting ignorance. The aim of those in authority is to limit
knowledge in order to promote sameness in the society. When Montag went to burn the old
woman’s books she decided to die with her knowledge than conforming to the ignorance of the
society members. His meeting with Faber changed his approach and view. The quest for
knowledge overrides his previous standing and ignorance on the value of books in the society.
Montag then impacts on a mission of changing the perceptions of the people from ignorance to
knowledge-based community. The fight of Montag is the primary believes of his society
members.
Symbolism
It refers to the use of symbols to illustrate ideas by giving them meaning that is different
from the literal meaning. Its goals are to help the reader get a deeper understanding of the
message in the context. The Hearth and the Salamander is one of the symbolism used in the
novel. The use of hearth represe...