The Narrative Structure 'Fahrenheit 451' Essay

In any literary text, an author can choose to apply either the single or multi-strand plot structure, depending on the story-line. Nevertheless, the easiest texts to follow are those that tend to follow the single strand narrative structure. Ray Bradbury, in his text, 'Fahrenheit 451', has mainly applied the simple plot structure, which is generally single strand. In that case, Bradbury has managed to follow the steps of narrative structure which include the introduction of conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and, finally, the resolution.

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In the exposition, the author introduces the main character, a fireman named Guy Montag. Ironically, firemen in this futuristic society start fires instead of extinguishing them. They are tasked with torching the houses of those who are found with books. The conflict is introduced when Montag meets a seventeen-year-old neighbor, Clarisse McClellan, who makes him rethink his life due to her love for nature and people. Clarisse's probing nature makes the reader realize that Montag has been doing his work blindly. The writer further intensifies the conflict when he lets Montag burn a woman found with the banned commodity. Montag is shocked by the action of this woman who courageously asks to be burnt alive, together with her books and house. To make matters worse, Montag's acquaintance, Clarisse, is run over by a speeding vehicle. His wife also tries to commit suicide. Such happenings make Montag to be in a state of conflict. He has no choice but to question the essence of his life. This kind of exposition is what drives the narrative to the next level as the suspense intensifies.

Upon exposition, the writer then brings in the rising action. The rising action is quite intense and helps in enhancing the narrative structure of the novel. In this case, Montag becomes so dissatisfied with his life that he fails to report to work. The writer is in the process of making the rising action go as far as possible. This explains why Montag's boss, Beatty, comes along to find out why Montag fails to report to work. The matter becomes tenser when the reader realizes that Montag has been stealing and hiding books. Perhaps he has been doing this with the intention of reading them since it is not possible for him to steal then burn them in his house. Having realized Montag's mistake, Beatty explains to him why books have to be burned then gives him twenty four hours to find out if the books in his possession are worth the stealing. Since this time is too short, Montag begs his reluctant wife to assist but is not lucky. He then turns to Faber, an English professor he once met in a park. Faber agrees to help Montag on condition that he accepts to secretly communicate with him through a radio ear-piece. The rising action reaches its peak when Montag reads the poem 'Dover Beach' to his wife's friends. They are so dismayed at his audacity that they report him. He is forced to hand in his book to Beatty at the fire station. Beatty on his edge is determined to convince Montag that books are dangerous. This is what triggers the climax of the narration.

As the writer goes on developing the plot, the climax is reached. The climax becomes so interesting that suspense is all the reader is barraged with. This suspense helps the writer achieve the desired climax. As Beatty speaks with Montag, an alarm is heard and interestingly enough, it sounds at Montag's house. Montag is then forced by Beatty to burn his house, and as if that is not enough, he is arrested. Not to take this lying down, Montag burns up his superior and knocks down his fellow firemen. This gives him a chance to escape. Even the hound that Beatty sets to attack him is unable to nab him. The climax is so intense that the reader is left wondering what would happen next.

Bradbury seems to intertwine the climax with the falling action. However, he then makes a clear demarcation when he presents Montag as almost invincible. An innocent pedestrian is killed in his place but the authorities, keen on assuring the public that the enemy, Montag, has been killed, broadcasts false information. Montag amusedly watches his chase on television. He has already escaped to Faber's house. As the falling action comes to an end, Faber has already shown Montag how to evade the second mechanic hound that has been set to trail him. He then manages to escape to the river after disguising himself. The falling action is as interesting as the climax although the writer manages to differentiate the two in an effort to achieve a smooth narrative structure.

Conclusion

Finally, Bradbury affords to give the reader a cathartic relief when he brings on the resolution. A resolution is one of the most important parts of a narrative structure. It helps in giving the story a completion. In the text, Montag's effort and thirst for books is rewarded when he meets a group of book lovers with whom they rebuild civilization after the city is destroyed. This resolution enhances the completeness of the novel. The writer has, therefore, succeeded in giving the story a narrative structure.

Work Cited

Bradbury, Ray. "Fahrenheit 451." Available at http://www.secret-satire-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ray-Bradbury-Fahrenheit-451.pdf