In the many chapters of Fahrenheit 451, the Bible is covered in depth and Ray Bradbury mentions it for a specific reason, as connecting the story to a religious symbol will make it appealing to the audience moreover. It is, in many ways, a passage through which the main character wakes up and realizes what is happening around him, from denying knowledge by burning books and painting it as a crime. Therefore, he would transform into the more thoughtful person he becomes towards the end of the story. This ties into the theme of the story, which is about government involvement in people's lives – limiting their freedom and robbing them of their faith – as the Bible immediately contradicts that ideology and exposes them to a less materialistic belief. This essay shows how this theme is explored and how the symbolism of the Bible is used in the book, as it is a symbol of enlightenment that people need in their lives to be well aware of the correct way to act, whether it is regarding to reading and appreciating books, or generally using the commands of the Bible to lead a happy and well-guided life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The most significant way the Bible is used in the story is as a trigger that portrays Montag's character development, where he changes from character This contributes to the fall in literacy, since he was a fireman who participated in the burning of books and denied people the right to read, to one who actively works to restore books and their culture. This is most evident when he reads the book of Matthew on the train, chapter 6, verses 27-29. «And which of you, being anxious, can add one cubit to the measure of his life? 28 And why are you worried about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. 29 Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these." This verse, when analyzed, is a call to action, encouraging people to worry less about the materialistic aspects of life and more about long-term things, such as divine and human connections. These include the relationship the person has with his God and how he should appreciate God's creation and learn more about it through reading books. The moment this verse is used in the story is also significant, as it serves as a foreshadowing of this crucial change, as when he reads it he is in a subway filled with advertisements for mundane products. As Ms. Stoller states, these advertisements prevent "Montag from absorbing the words he is trying to read" (Bible Gateway). Again, it's almost as if the world is trying to keep him from realizing that there is meaning outside of mere products and push him to follow the same belief that everyone else follows. This is further emphasized in the writer's style, as he uses the repetition of the words "shut up", as Montag tries to read the Bible, but can't concentrate due to the advertising, to show the internal struggle he has in trying to break free by government brainwashing. This is a symbol of respecting the rules of the majority, as nowadays people would follow the crowd and not question the majority opinion even if it contradicts their own beliefs. Furthermore, the repetition of the product name, Denham's Dental freeze, further highlights the pressures of society on him and his attempt to try to maintain that mentality.
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