What is the writing style in Fahrenheit 451?

Ray Bradbury is well-known for his incredibly descriptive
style. He employs figurative language (mostly similes, metaphors, and personification)
throughout the novel and enriches his story with symbolism. That's one of the reasons
this novel is considered a classic: Bradbury's rich use of language. These devices bring
the story to life, adding levels of meaning to the surface plot. For example, the first
paragraph reveals Montag's love for his job.

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It was a special pleasure to see
things eaten, to see things blackened and changed. With the brass nozzle
in his fists, with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon
the world, the blood pounded in his head, and his hands were
the hands of some amazing conductor playing all the symphonies of blazing
and burning to bring down the tatters and charcoal ruins of
history.

Notice
the figurative language in bold. The comparison of the hose to a venomous snake shows
the power Montag feels when starting fires. Comparing him to a conductor shows that he
feels he's a creator, bringing something positive to society. These comparisons make
Montag's eventual rejection of his job that much more stunning. Because we see the level
of enjoyment and contentment at the beginning, his character shift is much more
dramatic.

The symbolism throughout the novel is important
as well. Even the titles of the sections are symbols. For example, "The Sieve and the
Salmander" represent Montag's mind (like a sieve, sorting through this new information),
and the image of the fire truck (the salamander). Some symbols transform in meaning over
the course of the story. One of these symbols is the most prominent in the novel: fire.
Throughout most of the story, it is a destructive force, immolating books and the
freedom of thought that books represent. Yet later, when Montag has escaped and finds
other refugees, fire becomes a sign of connection, a renewal of human
relationships.

Bradbury's gift of language is the reason
this book endures. It's not just a warning of the dangers of technology; it's a glimpse
at the nature of humanity and human relationships.