When someone is reborn, their existence is revitalized and a complete metamorphosis occurs. The topic of rebirth was one common theme portrayed in the poem, “Easter” by Wiliam Butler Yeats as well as the novel, Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury. Throughout William Butler Yeats' poem, which depicted Easter Rising in Ireland, constant alteration and renaissance was discussed in almost every stanza. The protagonist in Bradbury's novel, Guy Montag, endured various experiences at work that caused him to question his career as a fireman, and undergo a major transformation. To prove the authenticity of the theme of rebirth in both Yeats and Bradbury's work, I will use characterization, symbolism, imagery and conflict.
The constant theme of rebirth is potrayed in William Butler Yeats' poem entitled “Easter”, through characterization and symbolism. Yeats' used characterization by describing a female leader as only spending her days “... in ignorant good will, her nights in argument until her voice grew shrill...” (Lines 18-20). Through this statement, he suggested that Irish leaders constantly went on about their unreachable goal to be free from Britain, but arguing was the most they actually did about it. Their leaders did indeed talk about ideas and plans to fulfill their dream, but no actions were made until later, during the revolt. The woman described was written to represent the monarchs of Ireland, who made efforts through their words, but weren't reborn as heroes until the “terrible beauty” was born. This oxymoron refers to freedom; the terrible and horrid amount of deaths that occurred, as well as the beauty of being free from Britain. Through their actions and overcoming of fears and weaknesses, Irish leaders were reborn and remembered from then on as heroic. Yeats' also inferred that not only had the monarchs been revitalized, but the whole nation had changed as well. “... Now and in time to be, wherever green is worn, are changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born” (Lines 77-80). After reading the ending to this poem, it can be understood that Ireland was entirely reborn as one nation after their uprising. Green was symbolic of the spirit of Ireland, and the changes this freedom soon afterwards brought to them. Early on in the poem, Yeats' expressed the members of his country as insignificant individuals living where motley was worn. However, in the end, the Irish spirit bound them together as one, revitalized them, and helped to earn them their freedom.
The theme of rebirth is again greatly portrayed in Ray Bradbury's novel, “Fahrenheit 451”. Bradbury utilized the three literary elements of symbolism, imagery, and conflict to include this major message in his story. “There was a silly damn bird called Phoenix back before Christ, every few hundred years he built a pyre and burnt himself up. He must have been first cousin to Man,” (p.163). The symbol of the phoenix was used countless times throughout the story. A phoenix is a mythical Arabian bird that exists for 500 years. After that time period, it's sings to itself until fire ignites its entire body. After this miraculous event, a worm emerges which develops into another new bird. The phoenix was generally used to symbolize Montag's wish to be revitalized just like the mythical bird. His life had been destroyed by fire as well, and his wish to be reborn after his demolition greatly relates to the phoenix. “...But every time he burnt himself, up he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over again. And it looks like we're doing the same thing, over and over, but we've got one damn thing the Phoenix never had. We know the damn silly thing we just did. We know all the damn silly things we've done for a thousand years and as long as we know that and always have it around where we can see it, some day we'll stop making goddamn funeral pyres and jumping in the middle of them,” (pg.163). Montag, like a Phoenix, astonishingly “flew away” and escaped from destruction when he reached Granger and the men. Symbolism was once again used when “Montag” on the portable TV was killed, for it represented the old, destructive Montag being destroyed, and a miraculous rebirth occuring. The conflict of man vs. himself was apparent throughout the story, as Montag began to look at his own hands as spreading poison throughout the world. He rebelled against his former job and became a totally different person. Before reaching the men around the fire, Guy arrived at a river. Imagery was used as he floated down peacefully, and was eventually deposited out of the large stream onto a riverbank. The description of the river represented a journey to a new life for Montag, away from his former home. Adding on to this, Montag was dressed in Faber's clothes, and the scent of kerosene had completely vanished from his body. He had become a new person, and after drinking the elixir which altered the chemical composition of his body, the drastic transformation was concluded.
Some other words for rebirth are reincarnation, renaissance, and revival. I have come to conclude that a theme of rebirth is evident in both “Easter” by William Butler Yeats and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I have proven this statement to be true by using the literary elements of symbolism, imagery, characterization, and conflict. This one single theme relates to two completely different styles of literature about two immensely diverse topics. Although some would think of a rebirth as a religious rejuvenation, it can also be defined as a moral renaissance or a change of heart. In Yeats' “Easter”, and Bradbury's, Farenheit 451, characters were reborn as completely different people who would be viewed differently from then on.
. But since "Easter" is a poem, I put quotes around it, and since Fahrenheit 451 is a novel, I underlined it in my essay.. the formatting just didn't come out on here. But thanks again for everything, both of you!
