Fahrenheit 451

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1. 
   amy-lepore Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   According to the author of How to Read Literature Like a Professor, rain can either represent the character's inner mood and thoughts or it can symbolize a catharsis--a new beginning for that character.  When Montag is running for his life away from the hound and toward the literates who have memorized books for a future time, it is raining.  It probably is a little of both--Montag has lost his life as he knows it, his wife, and he has murdered his former boss.  He probably is a little depressed about all that despite the fact that he is now free.  The rain is also a catharsis for him--he has to be looking forward to a time when he can talk about the past and books he's read and his hopes for a future with books and freedom of thought/speech.

   Trembling and the color gray are also signs of depression or inner turmoil. 

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/fahrenheit-451

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   Posted by amy-lepore on Wednesday May 7, 2008 at 12:27 PM