Fahrenheit 451 Post 1

Fahrenheit 451 takes place in a futuristic America in which many things have changed. Guy Montag, a fireman, is the main character. In the new America, the term fireman has taken on a new meaning. Buildings are now fireproof, and the main task of a fireman is to burn books. Montag's uniform consists of a helmet with 451, the temperature at which paper burns, printed on it. On the sleeve is a salamander, and a "phoenix disc" sits on his chest. Montag experiences much pleasure while performing his job, and he has a smile on his face from it that rarely fades.
On Montag's walk home, he meets his new neighbor, Clarisse. She is fascinated by Montag and his uniform. She begins speaking of things very unfamiliar to Montag, asking if firemen extinguished fires in the past, rather than starting them. Montag laughs at the question. Clarisse claims that she is crazy, as she and her family talk to each other and walk. Clarisse makes Guy nervous, and she reminds him of a candlestick, a clock, and a mirror. Montag is fascinated with Clarisse, and she ends their conversation by asking if he is happy and disappears into her house. Guy proceeds inside his own house and ponders his encounter with Clarisse.

The beginning section of the book, The Hearth and the Salamander, has a very symbolic title. The hearth is a traditional symbol of the home, and the salamander is an animal very closely related with fire. Montag is very happy with his job as a fireman, and Clarisse's questioning forces him to ponder his job and his life.

http://www.elfwood.com/~aelfwyn/Fire-Salamander-Dragon.2485735.html