Fahrenheit 451: The Irony of “The Hearth and the Salamander”

The title ‘The Hearth and the Salamander’ is purposely ironic. Montag’s home life is ironic to the title. Montag and Mildred do not really know each other. Montag and Mildred have trouble communicating. Webster’s Dictionary says that a hearth means “the fireside, family life, or home.” Hearth usually implies warmth. When Montag goes into his house for the first time he describes it like “coming into the cold marbled room of a mausoleum.” …

…Will you turn the parlor off,” Montag asks while sick. “‘That’s my family.’” She responds. Mildred is actually treating the TV as a closer relative than her husband. Communication problems have become a way of life for Mildred and Montag. The title “The Hearth and the Salamander” is ironic. Montag’s home life conflicts with the definition of hearth. Montag and Mildred do not know each other. Montag and Mildred have chronic trouble communicating.