Katrina Rosales
In Fahrenheit 451, Guy Montag's life as a fireman is dominated by the smell of kerosene, which he describes as perfume to Clarisse McClellan. She entices him to explore the world of scents beyond kerosene, such as apricots, strawberries, old leaves, and cinnamon. As Montag escapes the city, he encounters new smells like hay and the million odors of the country. He even imagines how he would smell like autumn if he bled out. This exploration of scents becomes a way for Montag to discover his true self and appreciate the world around him.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kerosene | Dominant smell in Montag's life |
| Apricots | |
| Strawberries | |
| Old leaves | |
| Cinnamon | |
| Nutmeg | |
| Hay | |
| River | |
| Rain | |
| Alcohol | |
| Perspiration |
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What You'll Learn
Kerosene is perfume to Montag
In Fahrenheit 451, Guy Montag is a man who enjoys following the government's orders and takes pleasure in burning books. His life is controlled by the powerful smell of kerosene, which he has always smelled due to his job as a fireman. So much so, that Clarisse, a young girl he meets, points out that he smells of kerosene and would be able to identify him with her eyes shut. To Montag, kerosene is perfume.
Montag's encounter with Clarisse makes him realise that he has never stopped to smell the roses, or in other words, appreciate the world around him. Clarisse shows him the obvious world beyond the insulated walls of his house, encouraging him to experience the outside world's sensations, especially simple smells like apricots, strawberries, old leaves, and cinnamon. She entices him out into the rain and nature, away from the rule books and 3-D comics, whose content is strictly controlled.
Through his interactions with Clarisse and other characters like Faber, Montag starts to discover his true self and question his actions. He even asks Faber to burn his furniture and take other measures to disguise his trail, indicating a shift in his mindset. As he escapes the city, he encounters new smells like the dry smell of hay and the fire around which the literary hobos warm themselves, which is different from the smell of fire he is used to.
Granger, another character he meets, gives him a bottle of liquid that will change the chemical index of his perspiration and make him smell like two other people, further emphasising the theme of scent and identity in the story. Montag's journey, from being controlled by the smell of kerosene to discovering a world of new scents and perspectives, symbolises his transformation and growth as a character.
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Montag smells like kerosene to Clarisse
In Fahrenheit 451, Montag is a third-generation fireman who spends his days burning books, which are illegal contraband. He is obedient and content in his work and has never stopped to wonder why things are the way they are. That is until he meets his new neighbour, Clarisse McLellan, a 17-year-old girl with a unique perspective on the world. As their friendship develops, Montag's sense of the world around him changes.
Through her questions and unique outlook on life, Clarisse challenges Montag's traditional thinking and encourages him to question the established rules of society. She entices him to experience the world beyond the insulated walls of his house, where the content of rule books and 3-D comics is strictly controlled. She introduces him to the simple pleasures of smelling apricots, strawberries, old leaves, and cinnamon, which have always been dominated by the odour of kerosene for Montag.
As their friendship grows, Montag starts to discover his true self and question his role as a fireman and the society's anti-book stance. He realises that he loves Clarisse's free spirit and her unusual way of looking at the world. Her death, revealed by Mildred, leaves Montag shocked and physically ill, further prompting him to question his job and society's values. This event, along with witnessing a woman's self-immolation, leads Montag to rebel against societal norms and break free from conformity.
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The scent of nutmeg or spice from books
In Fahrenheit 451, Faber makes an intriguing comment about the scent of books, suggesting that they "smell like nutmeg or some spice from a foreign land". This observation is more than just a passing remark. As the story unfolds, Montag's journey of self-discovery is intimately tied to the exploration of scents that had previously been overshadowed by the overpowering odour of kerosene, an aroma he once associated with perfume.
Through his interactions with Clarisse, Montag is introduced to a world of scents that he had never paid attention to. She encourages him to experience the simple pleasures of smells like apricots, strawberries, old leaves, and cinnamon. As they wander through the rain, away from the confines of their controlled environment, Montag begins to question his life as a fireman, dominated by the smell of burning.
As Montag escapes the city, he encounters new aromas in the country, like the dry smell of hay and the fire around which the literary hobos gather. He even imagines what scent he would have if he were to bleed out, likening it to autumn. Granger offers him a liquid that alters his perspiration's chemical composition, allowing him to smell like two other people and further disguising his trail.
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The smell of rain and hay outside the city
In Fahrenheit 451, Montag's life has been dominated by the powerful smell of kerosene, which he describes as "perfume" to Clarisse. However, as he escapes the city and ventures into the countryside, he encounters a myriad of new scents that broaden his perspective and help him discover his true self.
One of the most notable smells that Montag experiences outside the city is the scent of rain and hay. The air is described as "cold and smelled of a coming rain," and Montag notices the "dry smell of hay." These smells represent a departure from the familiar scent of kerosene and signify Montag's journey into the unknown.
The rain and hay evoke a sense of freshness and natural beauty that contrasts with the sterile and controlled environment of the city. Montag, who has been accustomed to the smell of burning and the odour of kerosene, finds solace and peace in these new scents. They symbolise the freedom and simplicity of nature, a world that Clarisse introduces him to.
As Montag continues his journey, he experiences even more smells, such as the fire around which the literary hobos warm themselves, which smells different from the fires he is used to. He also imagines what he would smell like if he bled out, comparing himself to autumn. These experiences broaden his olfactory palette and offer him a new perspective on life.
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Granger's liquid changes Montag's scent
In Fahrenheit 451, Granger gives Montag a bottle of liquid that will "change the chemical index of [his] perspiration" and make him "smell like two other people" (p. 147). This is significant because, up until this point in the story, Montag has been primarily associated with the smell of kerosene due to his job as a fireman.
Initially, Montag is so engulfed in his work that he fails to notice the scents around him. To him, kerosene is "nothing but perfume" (p. 6). However, Clarisse, a young girl he meets, begins to stir his curiosity about the world beyond his insulated existence. She introduces him to the simple smells of apricots, strawberries, old leaves, and cinnamon, which are often dominated by the odor of kerosene in his life.
As Montag starts to discover his true self through his friends and acquaintances, he also becomes more aware of the power of scent. He realizes that his scent could be used to track him, so he takes measures to disguise his trail by burning furniture, rubbing door knobs with alcohol, and using air conditioning and sprinklers.
Granger's liquid is, therefore, a pivotal moment in the story. It not only helps Montag evade tracking but also symbolizes his transformation and newfound appreciation for the world around him. It represents his departure from the scent of kerosene and his embrace of new experiences and perspectives.
This shift in scent also reflects Montag's growing awareness of the complexities of his world. No longer is he solely defined by the smell of kerosene, but he now shares the scent of two other unknown people, blending in with them and perhaps even finding a sense of connection or community through this shared scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Kerosene. Montag is a fireman and kerosene is a powerful smell associated with his profession.
Granger gives Montag a bottle of liquid that will change his natural scent. After using it, Montag will smell like two other people.
Books, nutmeg, or some spice from a foreign land.
