How Does Faber Define The Job Of Firemen?
Firefighting is an extremely difficult and important job, and one that requires a great amount of bravery and skill. It is for this reason that the late author Ray Bradbury wrote about it in his classic dystopian novel “Fahrenheit 451”. In particular, Bradbury’s protagonist, Guy Montag, works as a fireman responsible for burning books and illegally stored contraband.
The Job Of A Fireman As Defined By Faber
In the novel, Bradbury’s character Faber makes a number of observations about the nature of firefighting and its importance. According to Faber, the job of a fireman is two-fold:
- To Protect Life and Property – A fireman’s primary goal is to protect the lives and property of those living in a society. As such, they are responsible for quickly responding to fires and taking the necessary steps to contain them.
- To Serve As A Symbolic Figure – Firefighters also serve as a symbol of authority and presence in a community. As such, they will often be called upon to assist in more nefarious activities such as the burning of books in Bradbury’s novel.
Faber’s Views On Firefighting
Faber, although initially averse to the idea of book-burning, eventually comes to accept Guy Montag’s job as a fireman. According to him, firefighting is a job that requires a certain level of bravery and commitment from its employees. Faber admires Montag for his dedication to the job and believes that he is ultimately doing what is best for the greater good.
At the same time, Faber also expresses his criticism towards the government by highlighting the issue of firefighting as a metaphor for censorship and oppression. He believes that by burning books, the government is essentially stripping away freedom and creativity from its citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Faber’s view of the job of a fireman is an interesting one. On the one hand, he admires the bravery and commitment of the firemen, but he also points out the hypocritical nature of their job. He views firefighting not only as a way to protect the lives and property of a society, but also as a tool for oppression and censorship.