What does "Those who don't build must burn" mean?
2007-03-29 04:11:16 · 5 answers · asked by K&E4life 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I believe it means any books that don't help the society must be destroyed. Government censorship essentially. Pax - C.
2007-03-29 04:14:47 · answer #1 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Literally it could mean, building up society or building up the economy. And of course the polar opposite, those who don't create destroy.
Personally I think it means that we must learn and create, not destroy. The symbolism from Farenheit 451 is so esoteric. Its so vague, this is one of my favorite Bradbury books. The symbolism of Firemen burning, not putting fires out. So lets call it; people who are not intelligent enough to create, are 'just' smart enough to know how to burn.
2007-03-29 12:43:10 · answer #2 · answered by mimoll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been along time but as I recall all the houses were fireproof, except for some older ones. That reference could mean those who don't rebuild their old houses to be fireproof must burn is the fireman comes or fire happens.
Conjecture on my part. It's been a long time since I read that one.
2007-03-29 11:49:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are those who build and those who destroy what others have built because they are resentful.
Steinbeck is saying that man is driven in either the direction of progress....or of destruction.
Books represent progress and man's probing exploratory mind. The book burners are those who wish to halt human advancement and keep the "status quo."
2007-03-29 11:15:09 · answer #4 · answered by Veritas 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ANY CITIZEN WHO DOESN'T CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY'S GOOD IS EXPENDABLE.
2007-03-29 11:15:11 · answer #5 · answered by Miss Smartypants 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋