Ray Bradbury makes a point in Fahrenheit 450 that individuals can be active against government oppression. Bradbury relies upon allusions in his work to demonstrate relationships between works and make connections with literary heritage and history. Bradbury uses allusions such as Walt Whitman or Edna St. Vincent Millay and Mahatma to show the many people who stood up and challenged common beliefs. The characters in Bradbury’s novel were also forced to go against the tide with rare ardor. They demonstrate how speaking out, and sacrificing themselves for others’ sakes is beneficial to all.

Mahatma, a famous peace activist, was born on 1869. In South Africa, Gandhi tried to end the discrimination of Indians. Later, this law was passed. He returned to India and worked hard to win India’s independence. He was against British influence and believed that countries should be self-governing. He kept trying, even though he failed. He worked hard to eliminate caste and the hatred between Hindus and Muslims. Gandhi was murdered by a Hindu fanatic who was angry with Gandhi for his passivity towards the Muslims. Gandhi represents the ideals of empathy, equality and tolerance: “Here’s to us all, Montag.” Aristophanes… Mahatma… Buddha… Bradbury uses Gandhi’s life to illustrate the wide variety of books and authors that people have read. Gandhi relates directly to the topic, which in this case is that published books can never go away, since they have been remembered all through Gandhi’s life, and by the people who were touched by him. A part of chronology is pushing for changes that are needed and showing courage. Bradbury shows here that we are able to remember books or other things even if they don’t come to mind immediately. They will always be there, waiting for us. Gandhi is a good allusion, because people have remembered Gandhi long after his death through others. This is similar to how books were told orally and then written.

Walt Whitman has been called one of America’s great poets. He changed the style of writing poetry by introducing free verse. Whitman also expressed his passion for everything, including leaves, sex and Lincoln. Abolitionist Walt Whitman also wrote with passion about politics. Whitman, who lived an exemplary and inspiring life, died in 1892 from a stroke. Few people can claim to have embraced humanity and nature with the same passion that Whitman did. “O Captain!” may be his most well-known work. “My Captain!” is a poem that addresses the death of President Lincoln. Whitman battled to have his work recognized and published, but never changed his verse. Bradbury uses Whitman’s words to show that books are burned because the authors write about topics not deemed acceptable or pleasant by the authorities. The loudest, most opinionated individuals are the first to be eliminated. Bradbury compares Fahrenheit 450 to Whitman. Bradbury shows how Whitman’s work, despite being free and breaking some literary moulds, can become forgotten ashes. Whitman adds to the story by showing how one can stand up for his beliefs, and still be remembered.

Edna St. Vincent Millay was a feminist poet who refused to let anyone tell her what to think or feel. Edna Millay was raised by a mother who divorced Edna’s dad in an era when divorces were not common. She rebelled also against the restrictions placed on women in her college. Edna married a widower with feminist values and a sensitive nature. Later, she was arrested for participating in a demonstration. Edna drank again after her husband died in 1949 from lung cancer. She passed away shortly thereafter in 1950. The quote is an allusion by Millay to the following: “Monday, Burn Millay. Tuesday, Whitman. Bradbury uses Edna to make a point about the government’s plan to ban books that express different opinions. Millay was an excellent choice as an allusion. Millay was a very vibrant and believe-oriented individual. She stood for her beliefs no matter what.

Bradbury chose Gandhi, Whitman and Millay as allusions to their revolutionary nature and actions. Bradbury used Gandhi, Whitman, Millay, and other revolutionary figures as allusions to their revolutionary acts and personalities. Gandhi was selected because he spoke out against injustice and violence using nonviolent messages. Whitman is chosen, however, because of his love and respect for people. Bradbury modeled Clarisse on Whitman. Millay was chosen because of her prominence as a female in an era when women were not allowed to speak and were only seen. In the absence of these older people, life today wouldn’t be what it is. Bradbury’s timeless classic, “The Invention of the Government”, is all about refusing to let government dictate what people think and feel.

isabelhart

Amy Fox is a 28 year old school blogger, who has been writing for over 10 years. She has been a student at the University of Utah for three years and is now a graduate student.