Grace Sloan

AP Lang

Grubb

20, April 2017

William Shakespeare, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Virginia Woolf. Each of these writers left

significant impacts on the world of literature. By uniquely harnessing various writing elements,

they were able to express their ideas in ways that revolutionized their art. Crafting different

literary devices into written works distinguishes these writers from the rest. This influence is also

highly evident in the written works of Ray Bradbury. When Bradbury composed Fahrenheit 451,

he integrated symbolism in order to convey opposing good and evil forces, develop characters,

and establish various themes in his dystopian setting in such an advantageous way, the novel

deserves an award.

Just as many great authors before him employed various writing techniques, Bradbury

effectively incorporated symbolism in order to convey the opposition of good and evil forces in

the futuristic dystopian setting of the book. The book revolves around a city in which regulations

to prevent free-thinking and individuality are strictly imposed and enforced, primarily through

the burning of books. Symbols such as the fire used to destroy books represent these dark and

evil standards imposed on innocent civilians. After effectively using fire to represent the death

and destruction of individuality in the US, Bradbury strategically inserts symbols such as the

phoenix and mirrors to counter this negative perception. The phoenix represents rebirth and a

chance for a fresh start, exemplifying both the cyclical tendencies of society as well as adding an

element of hope to the end of the work. Bradbury also mentions mirrors, reinforcing the idea of

the rebirth of the ability to think freely and become more individualistic, allowing them to see
themselves clearly and reflect on who they truly are, rather than the restricted intellectual bos

society tried to force them into before. The underlying development of the plot through indirect

symbolism shows maturity in Bradburys writing style as well as allows the reader to understand

the novels good/bad contrast in a more personalized way, expanding the theme further than the

plot itself. The incredible dimensions added by the contrast of symbolism exemplifies Bradburys

true gift in the literary arts. This kind of talent cannot go unrecognized and should merit an

award.

In addition to developing the contrast within the novel, Bradburys exceptional

integration of symbolism helps develop characters. For example, Bradbury includes a dandelion

as a symbol of love and purity when writing of Clarisse, adding an element of innocence and

lightness to her character. When introducing Clarisse, he also relates her to the color white,

indirectly emphasizing her purity and impeccably sincere character. Bradbury also creatively

associates Beatty with fire, contributing to the readers perception of him as a menacing

character. By utilizing symbolism when introducing and developing characters, Bradbury gives

his characters more complexity and range. The well-thought-out use of specific symbols with

certain characters serves to merge the perceptions of the characters made by the readers from

direct plot descriptions and references with emotions and ideas associated with the symbols

themselves, giving the characters as well as the book itself more intellectual scope. The precise

harness on character development Bradbury exemplifies with this use of symbolism

demonstrates a rare gift that should be awarded in order to encourage the further development of

the art of literature.

Finally, Bradburys skillfully crafted symbolism served to develop various themes. As

previously mentioned, contrasting symbols such as the fire used to burn books that represented
the destruction of variety within the society as well as the phoenix that represented rebirth, a

fresh start, and hope served to illuminate the theme of good versus evil forces. They also develop

a theme on the importance of free thinking. The overall reason the destruction of books is seen as

negative is the inability to develop intellectually it produces. This is rooted in the importance of

free thinking. By using symbols that contrast each other on many different levels, Bradbury gives

his book multiple themes, and thus the ability to affect and relate to his readers in many different

ways. Many modern books serve one purpose or to develop one theme that is often evident in the

first chapter. By giving his book symbols that produce multiple themes that unfold with the plot,

Bradburys book exceeds the standards most other books meet. Bradburys skill in utilizing this

specific literary device elevates his writing to the level of the most highly-acclaimed authors.

This kind of excellence and evident mastery of a field cannot go unnoticed. Few other written

works succeed in achieving the depth Bradbury creates, making it deserving of an award.

When Bradbury composed Fahrenheit 451, he utilized symbolism to effectively convey

the opposing good and evil forces in the dystopian world, develop characters more deeply, and

convey various themes. Award-winning authors use literary devices to give their writing a wider

scope and more meaning. Bradburys exemplification of his mastery of this technique proves his

rightful place is alongside the great and memorable authors. Bradburys skillful use of

symbolism proves he deserves to win an award.