Fahrenheit 451
Notes – Part Two
The Sieve and the Sand
Title

Metaphor
 Montag’s frustration
Can’t grasp truth/knowledge
In books and life
Can’t “fill” himself
Faber
 Represents knowledge
 Former profession (Literature
Prof.)

Imagery
 Color
 White
 Skin, walls, hair, beard, eyes, etc.
 Portrayed as pure/unspoiled
Leisure
Ironic
 It’s the one thing they do have.
 Technology
 Allows for free time
How are we using it?

Self-Destruction
Millie sees Montag
 “a wax doll melting in its own
heat.”
 “Salamander devours its tail.”
 Faber’s plan to burn houses

Microcosm



Microcosm – a small world
Women’s gathering
 Represents society
 Attitude towards war, children, etc.
 Happiness = Illusion
Montag’s hatred of them
 Represents his hatred of society
Poem
Themes
 Loss of faith
 Desire for happiness
 Sand and Water
 Two symbols throughout the book

Beatty
Series of quotes
 Beatty vs. Faber
 Angel and Devil on Montag’s
shoulders
 Reflects on going struggle (in
Montag)
 Good and Evil

Final Scene

Montag’s Choice
 Books over Society
 Strips him of his former life