Fahrenheit 451 Character Analysis: Faber

Graciela Canelas Somare

September 30, 2015

English/Literature

Character Analysis

Faber

Why watch them burn? Why not enjoying the purpose of them? It was such a hurt to hear about them burning and being destroyed. Society should’ve used the books how they were supposed to be used. Enjoying each and every word in them. This was from the perspective and view of Faber, in my opinion. He didn’t like the idea of the burning of books at all. Faber was a Smart man. He was a literature teacher, so he loved books. He really disagreed with all the firefighters, who were actually starting fires instead of stopping them.

Faber’s personality throughout the book is him trying to convince this man, Guy Montag, a firefighter, to stop the fires. Faber talks

it through with Montag and then finally starts a plan to stop the corruption. Montag was a firefighter, he actually enjoyed his job. After all, he didn’t really understand the real importance of books… Montag is feeling mixed emotions, which makes him act in a way confused with not knowing what to do. He then hides a book (actually saves the book from being burned). Then he tells it to Faber and here is where one finds out who Faber really is. “You’re brave (p.80).” Faber said showing his insecurity and cowardliness. By this statement it makes one take it as a way of Faber referring as he, himself, as a coward. He showed himself this way because of him knowing about the burning of books and not doing anything about it.
Faber somehow wanted to help and save all the books; but he showed in his words and actions that he wasn’t brave enough. “I am a cowardly old fool (p. 90).” Faber admitted. He just backed up because nobody else was doing anything to stop the fire. Faber also admits he feels this way of being a coward when he says, “Mr. Montag, you are looking at a coward (p.82).” The way he calls himself coward all the time shows his insecurity and the way he knows he isn’t doing anything, but he should. “Proof of my terrible cowardice. I’ve lived alone so many years, throwing images on walls with my imagination (p.90)…” And the way he just tells Montag what to do instead of him, himself reacting, saying something to them, or physically helping it to stop.
Faber was the foil of Montag, when Montag still was a firefighter enjoying his job.

They were complete opposites. Faber was a wise man. One could tell that he really loved books and found the magic in them. “The magic is only in what books say (p. 83)…” “It is not the books you need, it is some of the things that once were in books (p.80).” These were some of the quotes that Faber said that expressed his feelings for books. Montag, was the opposite, he burned books and didn’t read any of them. Montag and Faber then near the end become foil, but as in a way that they were somewhat alike. Montag was a dynamic character that changed throughout the book and started to defend the books.

Faber would be an example of a static character in part two of the book. Faber although, changed a little near the end of the book because of his timid personality, he became more outgoing and more brave. He had more attitude to fight the firefighters. Faber had more courage and near the end started to take action against Beatty.

As anyone can see, in conclusion, Faber became courageous and defeated Beatty. Faber as many people know, loved books and basically since he was a literature professor, his books were his life. As repeated, Faber was a really wise man who enjoyed the meaning of books, he is trustworthy and kind. “You’ll have to take me on faith (p. 92).” He said, as he demonstrated courage on helping Montag defend the

books…