Allusions In Fahrenheit 451

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The Influence of Boswell on Bradbury’s Work Knowledge is power. Knowledge provides strength and communication. Knowledge is what enables the world to progress; it keeps society from making the mistakes of the past all over again. In Fahrenheit 451, the importance of this knowledge is enunciated through its theme. The powerful theme of the novel is supported by many allusions that include historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Icarus. In the mix of these famous dignitaries, the reader finds the allusion of James Boswell. Ray Bradbury’s use of the James Boswell allusion in Fahrenheit 451 helps to develop his theme of how the preservation of knowledge leads to progress. In order to fully understand the significance of …show more content…
This allusion is found in the novel when Montag and Mildred are going through Montag’s stash of books that he has kept hidden. Montag reads the letter and says “That favorite subject, Myself.” He squinted at the wall. / “That favorite subject, Myself.” / “I understand that one” said Mildred.” Bradbury uses this allusion to identify Mildred’s membership of the selfish society, but Montag’s reaction is different. Montag realizes how wrong this selfish attitude really is, how he does not agree with this moral, with this society. It is the burning of books, the burning of knowledge, that creates this constant self-centered culture that individuals such as Mildred take part in. Since Montag has knowledge from his books, he does not relate to the selfish allusion like Mildred does. Ray Bradbury also equips his novel with this allusion to portray the foil between Montag and Mildred established in their understanding of the allusion. Mildred is selfish and unable to care about others because of her lack of knowledge, whereas Montag cares about people such as Clarisse because of his secret stack of books. The civilization of this book is so self-centered that they do not share their ideas, thoughts, and emotions, resulting in a lack of emotional, intellectual, and …show more content…
In Mildred and Montag’s society, this truth reigns. The body of this nation is crippled by their lack of knowledge, by their lack of empathy, by their selfishness. With little knowledge, the society has little motivation to change their ways, to progress. They struggle to see how people in the past have dealt with their problems. In Fahrenheit 451, it is the selfishness derived from the lack of knowledge that limits progress. Bradbury’s use of the James Boswell allusion is what clearly portrays the selfishness to his
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