The symbol of fire serves the role of destruction, not only for the worse but also for the better. Although the fire burned the books, it also burned the city and cleaned it so it can be rebuilt. The water represents the washing away of the past for Montag and the city. Montag fled to the river and away from the city to start a new life and escape the problems of his last “life”. Lastly, we have the Phoenix symbolizing rebirth itself through the city and Montag. The Phoenix is a bird that burns itself, but then it rises from the ashes and is reborn. These simple symbols mean much more than what they seem to