Symbolism

Symbol

• Something concrete that represents an abstract idea

Open vs. Closed Symbols

• Open Symbols: universal & well known
• Closed Symbols: given meaning by the author

Salamander

• Official symbol of firemen & name of fire trucks
• Ancient belief that they lived and fire and were unaffected by the flames

White

• White = purity & innocence
• Clarisse wears white, is pale and represents a positive influence
• Opposite of the corruption

Black

• Often signifies unknown, death/mourning, evil, etc.
• Montag notices that all the firemen have black hair and dark features
• Stoneman and Black = names of firemen

Pick a symbol

• Mirror (page 11)
• Snake (page 3, 14)
• Fire
• Books
• Mechanical Hound