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How does Beatty alter the original quote, "All's well that ends well," and what does he imply about the allure of fire?
"What is there about fire that's so lovely? No matter what age we are, what draws us to it?"
Quick answer:
Beatty alters the quote "All's well that ends well" to "All's well that is well in the end," suggesting a future positive outcome for society through Montag's rebellion. This change implies hope for a literate society's rebirth. Beatty's reflection on fire highlights its primal allure and necessity, rooted in its dual role as a life-giving and destructive force, echoing ancient myths like Prometheus and the phoenix, symbolizing renewal and civilization's foundation.
Toward the end of part 2, Captain Beatty confuses Montag by elaborating on the contradictory nature of literature in order to dissuade him from engaging in intellectual pursuits. Beatty ends up altering the popular quote "All's well that ends well" by saying, "All's well that is well in the end" (Bradbury, 51). Beatty's comment foreshadows Montag's success at rebuilding a literate society after suffering a devastating nuclear attack. Beatty's comment regarding humanity's fascination with fire emphasizes our attraction to the powerful, necessary element. Humanity has always been fascinated with fire, so much so that ancient myths were created and shared to explain its existence. According to the Greek myth, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. One could argue that, since fire was necessary to create the foundations of civilization, humanity will continue to have an inherent connection and attraction to the powerful element for centuries...
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to come. Since a truism is defined as something that is obviously true and self-evident, one could argue that Beatty's comment regarding humanity's fascination with fire is indeed a truism. It is common knowledge that humans have been and will always be captivated and fascinated by fire.
Beatty's change in the quote possibly indicates a positive outcome for the those who have memorized the books. A time when they can recite the books to again be printed and read by all will come. In the end, it will be well, whereas up until Montag rebels things have not been well. He is the spark or the catalyst to begin the ball rolling toward a time when "things are well in the end."
I think the fascination with fire goes all the way back to our primal instincts. Fire means life. It is a means of cooking, warming ourselves against the cold, and protecting ourselves from wild animals; however, it can also do irreparable damage. According to myth, fire was given to us without permission by a god. Fire was considered by the gods too much for humans to handle in its mixed blessings of life and death. In the case of the mythological bird, the phoenix, it is a rebirth.
These are the ramblings of a woman who just worked her last day before summer break. Hope it makes sense. :)
"All's Well That Ends Well" is the title of one of Shakespeare's plays. What it means is that regardless of the obstacles along the way, all is well if you have a good ending. For instance, having to endure 12 years of school is worth it because graduation is in sight. I'm not sure how to interpret Beatty's change.
Is it true that we are fascinated by fire? I think so. Why are fireplaces so popular? Why do people talk about curling up in front of a warm fire? Must be some remnant of our prehistory!