Accesing Forbidden Knowledge in Literature

Many different novels written in different times, can have very similar themes and ideas that have had an impact over the course of time. Knowledge can be defined by facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject (Oxford University, 2014). Throughout the novel Fahrenheit 451 written by Ray Bradbury and the novel The Book Thief written by Marcus Zusak the theme of forbidden knowledge exists. The theme of forbidden knowledge is symbolized through the burning of the books done by the firefighters and the Nazi soldiers, the penalties that come with trying to obtain knowledge such as going to prison, and the idea that knowledge comes with a cost which can be as severe as death. In both of the novels the main characters Liesel Meminger in The Book Thief, and Guy Montag in Fahrenheit 451, both characters quest for knowledge ends up in flames.

The act of book burning has been around since the 7th Century BC when Jehoiakim, King of Judah, burned part of the prophet Jeremiah's scroll (Jeremiah 36), and to the present day, the burning of books has a long history as a tool wielded by authorities in efforts to suppress anyone from accessing this forbidden knowledge and from posing a threat to the prevailing order. In the novel Fahrenheit 451 the firefighters now start fires rather than put them out. The firefighters say that they must burn all the books because it makes it easier for the government to control the populace. Just as the Nazis burn books to make it easier for the government to control the German people. Captain Beatty explains to Montag the reason that firefighters burn books when he says "A book is a loaded gun in the house next door....

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... is shown entirely. The theme of forbidden knowledge is symbolized through the value of literature which is shown through the symbolism of book burning, how with forbidden knowledge comes great penalties, and the idea that the cost for knowledge can be a great one. It is up to the reader to decide whether forbidden knowledge should remain forbidden.

Works Cited

Bradbury, Ray. Farenheit 451. New York: Ballantine Books, 1953. Print.

Zusak, Markus. The book thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006. Print.

Oxford . "Definition of knowledge in English:." knowledge: definition of knowledge in Oxford dictionary (British & World English). Oxford University Press, 2014. Web. 10 May 2014.

"Jeremiah." The Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments. Trenton: I. Collins, 1791. 36. Print.