This passage shows the perverse pleasure Montag gets out of burning things. It is clear things are not normal when we see a fireman who loves to burn. In the first sentence we see how he loves to destroy because he likes to see things “eaten” and “blackened.” These words usually are horrifying for people, but they bring pleasure for Montag. Also usually horrifying is the image of a python spitting out its venom, but in the metaphor comparing a dangerous python to the fire hose spitting out kerosene, we see the sense of power and enjoyment Montag gets out of yielding the hose.

            Further on, Montag likens his job to that of a conductor playing a symphony. He clearly thinks the act of setting something on fire is like a piece of art or performing an art.

            One final image that shows Montag’s pleasure at the horrific act of burning is the metaphor of “pigeon-winged” books dying on the porch and lawn. Sadly, while the books try to liberate themselves like a bird, they only die a pathetic death. Montag feels no pity and only thinks of humorously roasting a marshmallow in the flames.