. What does Granger mean when he says “I am Plato’s Republic” or that Montag is “the book of Ecclesiastes”?
They mean that they have memorized these books. Books are illegal, book paper burns at 451 degrees Fahrenheit, the firemen will burn any book they find. the only way to preserve them was to memorize them.
... probably that each one espouses the ideas in each book and lives his life according to those ideas.
Ah, well, when Granger says "I am Plato's Republic," he's basically saying that he embodies the ideals and concepts laid out by Plato in his famous work. It's a way for him to express that he understands the power of knowledge and the importance of preserving it.
And as for Montag being "the book of Ecclesiastes," well, that's a playful way of saying that Montag is like a walking encyclopedia of wisdom and reflection. Just like the book itself, he's full of deep thoughts and contemplation. Who knew a person could be so bookish, huh?
When Granger says "I am Plato's Republic" in Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451," he is referring to the allegorical work called "The Republic" by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. In this work, Plato discusses his ideas about justice, the ideal society, and the nature of knowledge. By saying this, Granger is implying that he embodies the principles and ideals put forth by Plato.
Similarly, when Granger says that Montag is "the book of Ecclesiastes," he is referring to a book in the Hebrew Bible known as "Ecclesiastes." This book, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, explores themes of the meaning of life, the pursuit of knowledge and pleasure, and the cyclical nature of the world. By comparing Montag to "the book of Ecclesiastes," Granger likely means that Montag embodies the questioning and contemplative nature of the book's teachings.
When Granger says "I am Plato's Republic" in Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451," he is not using these phrases literally. Instead, he is making an allusion, a reference to well-known texts, to convey a deeper understanding of himself and Montag.
To understand these references, you would need to familiarize yourself with the works he is referring to. In this case, "Plato's Republic" is a philosophical treatise written by Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher. It explores ideas about justice, governance, and the ideal society. By stating "I am Plato's Republic," Granger is implying that he embodies the principles and ideals expressed in this philosophical work, suggesting that he holds wisdom and understanding about society.
Similarly, when Granger calls Montag "the book of Ecclesiastes," he is alluding to a book from the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament) called Ecclesiastes. This book is known for its contemplative and reflective nature, addressing themes of the meaning of life and the futility of human pursuits. By referring to Montag as "the book of Ecclesiastes," Granger is likening him to a repository of wisdom and introspection, someone who questions the value and purpose of their actions and society.
So, when Granger says these phrases, he is using them metaphorically to convey the philosophical depth and introspective nature of both himself and Montag. Understanding these references enriches the reader's experience and provides insight into the characters' perspectives. To fully grasp their significance, it may be helpful to read and engage with the source material, Plato's Republic and the book of Ecclesiastes.