Background Information
In Ray Bradburys novel Fahrenheit 451, fireman Montag has a passion for reading and is seen quoting poetry to the parlor walls of his friends, which prompts neighbor’s daughter Clarisse to ask how come and what is it all about. The scene in the novel suggests that Montag is using poetry to help him cope with the paranoia and fear of repression caused by the censoring and burning of books.
Montag is a fireman whose job it is to burn books and prevent citizens from becoming literate. People in his society have a limited understanding of literature and poetry. Their appreciation of any kind of literature is almost nil. Montag’s exposure to books is a huge relief and source of comfort, as he aches for broadened perspectives on life. He reads poetry to Mildred and her friends because he sees it as a way to give other people the joy and freedom that he has discovered.
Symbolic Messages
For Montag, the recitation of poetry is a way of contributing his thoughts and opinions to the discussion without having to engage in a fraught political debate. Poetry allows him to voice his feelings and ideas without speaking directly, and to present them in a way that allows others to draw their own conclusions. Montag’s recitation of poetry can also be interpreted symbolically: the words he reads represent a counterpoint to the status-quo of his society, a reminder that there are alternatives to authoritarianism.
Effects on the Listener
Montag reads poetry to Mildred and her friends in order to give them the same sense of freedom and liberation that he has found in literature. He hopes that their understanding and appreciation of poetry will expand their worldview, giving them a fresh perspective on life. They may even come to appreciate his views on censorship and oppression, which Montag is not willing to openly express. The recitation of poetry is a tool that Montag can use to encourage his friends to think in new ways and to see the world from an entirely different angle.
Montag’s recitation of poetry is an activation of his passion for literature, and his attempt at getting Mildred and her friends to appreciate it as well. It is also a subversive act that Montag chooses to express in a safe and indirect manner. Montag’s attempts go beyond simply giving his friends an appreciation of literature and poetry, he is also introducing them to the concept of dissent and defiance, of questioning the status-quo of their society.
Comparison to Other Literary Figures
Montag’s recitation of poetry can also be seen in literature throughout the ages. The protagonist of George Orwell’s 1984, Winston Smith, also recites verses from poems to pass messages to his love interest Julia. Additionally, in J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, protagonist Holden Caulfield uses poetry as a way to express his deeper feelings and thoughts. These are all heroes in literature who use poetry as a means to express dissatisfaction and disillusionment with their societies.
Events That Follow
Montag’s recitation of poetry serves as a wake-up call for Mildred and her friends, as they slowly come to understand the importance of literature and poetry. Montag’s reading of poetry also helps to initiate a discussion on censorship, which gives his friends an opportunity to question the status-quo of their society. They start to question the authority figures around them and soon begin to question their own personal values and beliefs.
Mildred’s Future Actions
After hearing Montag’s recitation of poetry and the discussion that follows, Mildred is inspired to go out and explore other ideas and perspectives. She reads books, speaks with people outside of her social circle, and eventually comes to understand the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority. Mildred also begins to think for herself and come to her own conclusions about the issues she was once unaware of.
Educating Those Around Her
Mildred takes what she has learned from Montag’s recitation of poetry and uses it to help those around her. She educates her friends and family on the importance of literature and points them in the direction of books that can help expand their understanding and appreciation for poetry and the arts. Slowly, Mildred and those she has helped come to understand the power that literature can have in challenging the status-quo and encouraging critical thinking.
Interaction with the Censorship of Books
Mildred and her friends now realize the dangers of censorship, and they become increasingly aware of the power that literature has in challenging the status-quo and authoritarianism. They begin to actively resist the censorship of books and begin to spread the message of freedom and democracy. They also join Montag in his mission to protect books from being burned and censored by their government.
Response to Government Leaders
Mildred and her friends take what they have learned from Montag’s recitation of poetry and become increasingly vocal in their opposition to the censorship of books. They begin to protest the government’s censorship policies and practices, and are unafraid to challenge the status-quo and those in power. This is a stark contrast to their previous silence and complacency in the face of censorship.
Montag’s recitation of poetry serves as a wake-up call for Mildred and her friends. It helps them to understand the power that literature and poetry has in challenging the status-quo, and also to see the true dangers of censorship. Montag’s words also encourage them to think for themselves, come to their own conclusions, and stand up for what they believe in. As a result, Mildred and her friends become more actively involved in their society and take a stand against the censorship of books.
