Fahrenheit 451

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   clane Teacher
   High School - 10th Grade

   Antithesis is when two ideas or characters are juxtaposed to one another to illustrate their qualities more clearly.  

   In the world of Fahrenheit 451 there are two sides, those who rationalize, accept, and/or perpetuate the burning of books and the censorship of the society and those who do not. Beatty and Faber are at opposite ends of this societal spectrum.

   Beatty believes in the work that the society does to simulate happiness and contentedness for its members. He tells the tale of how fireman began burning books and, in large contrast to his own beliefs, uses literature to support his argument for the burning of books to keep the world happy. Beatty is full of action for his cause and is not afraid to go after anyone opposed to it.

   Faber is just the opposite of Beatty. He is a retired English professor who believes in the power of the written word, although he is slow to act because he does not think one man can change the world. Montag seeks Faber out for his help and Faber reluctantly agrees, but does very little. He plants a transmitter in Montag's ear so he can hear what's going on in the world of fireman and so he can help Montag find the words he needs to express himself, but it backfires.

   Both Faber and Beatty sparked the proverbial fire in Montag that got him to rebel against his society, they each did it in their own way, but each was instrumental in his quest to perpetuate literature.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/fahrenheit-451/q-and-a/what-qualiti...

   http://www.enotes.com/literary-terms/antithesis

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   Posted by clane on Tuesday June 3, 2008 at 9:49 AM