Tone in Fahrenheit 451

The tone of a story is very important and kind of decides how the reader reacts to the book. In “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, there are a few tones used. The main tone that I think is present throughout the entire book is informative. I would say this is the main tone because the book basically tells a story the whole time. The overall plot of this book is about a fireman who learns the value of books and takes a stand for them, but in the process puts his life in danger and loses his home, his job, and his family.  Another tone Bradbury uses in this book is ominous. This is also for the most part throughout the whole story. An example of this tone was during the fires that Montag and the other firemen start. Another example of ominous is during Professor Faber’s and Montag’s meetings and plan. A risky part of the book was when Guy Montag has Professor Faber in his ear and he cannot control his emotions. Montag ends up telling off the women Mildred has over and even reads part of a book to them. This was an extremely dangerous action on Guy’s part and he suffered for it later when one of the women reported him. Other situations that had this type of tone would definitely be every event after Montag kills Beatty and two other firemen with his flame thrower and then is on the run. Then to make matters worse, they bring in a new hound to track him, but Guy and Professor Faber manage to successfully confuse it and get them off their travel. One last tone used in “Fahrenheit 451” is suspenseful. Examples of this tone is used at the very beginning of the book when we are not sure if Mildred is going to survive while she is having her stomach pumped and then also when the hound is tracking Guy Montag and it starts to head towards Professor Faber’s house, but then turns around and ends up losing him. All of these tones really add to the book and make it more effective and interesting.

Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Del Rey Book, 1991. Print.