Significance of the Title

451 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper will burn. 451 is labeled on the firemen's kerosene tanks , and is engraved on their helmets.

Symbols

The Hearth and the Salamander–This is an overall symbol for fire. The hearth is where the fireplace is located in the home. According to ancient beliefs, salamanders were thought to be impervious to fire.

The Phoenix–Towards the end of the book, after a devastating event, Granger makes a comparison between humanity and the Phoenix. When humans are defeated, they will eventually rise from their ashes, and not make the same mistakes they made before.