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Was Clarisse a Prophet?
by Raina Saunders - grade 11
The role of the prophets throughout scripture was to be ambassadors for God in the world. They often gave warnings to kings and rulers of the judgement of God and brought with their messages a call to repentance. Through God’s power, even when they felt weak, they were able to speak to others with 
authority and wisdom. They helped people face their sin when they previously could or would not look honesty at it. Prophets helped to save whole nations and keep them from falling away from God. Their messages helped to draw many people back to righteousness. They brought judgement and spared judgement to those who acted according to the messages from God. They also performed miracles in the Lord’s name to prove to people that the Lord was the only God who was worthy of their worship. Another role they had was to speak into being what had not yet happened. God would use them to ignite His divine purposes in the hearts of men. They were holy firemen that started fires in people that then spread to nations and shifted the spiritual atmosphere of whole countries. Prophets were often separated from society and refused to live by the normal social standards of their time. Sometimes they were greatly despised by people. They lived according to their spiritual beliefs even when their position caused them to face tough opposition. Throughout scripture, prophets held a position of influence, even when they were scorned by others.
Through this analysis of the role of Biblical prophets I think that within her own unique setting, Clarisse 
played the role of a prophet in Fahrenheit 451. Although the book does not indicate whether or not Clarisse was a Christian, she very well may have been one. She always spoke with honesty and directness to Montag, challenging him and bringing him profound, impacting messages. Every time he was with her she communicated to him powerfully and challenged him to look at his life with blunt honesty. Clarisse`s words pierced Montag and saved him from a life of passivity. Like a prophet would, she helped to keep him from falling into society’s trap and rekindled and spoke into being the desires and questions of his heart that had long lain dormant. She did not fall into the pattern of the people around her but instead lived by her own convictions and beliefs, even when she was frowned upon. In most people’s minds she had emotional issues and a peculiar personality. She was a social outcast, yet she remained solid and continued to live a life of purpose. She held a strong position of prophetic influence over Montag, and through this influence the fire for change that she carried began to spread to Montag, who in turn carried and passed it on to other people. Clarisse was the true fireman in Fahrenheit 451.
What would Clarisse have to say to us today you ask?
This wisdom she would give away,
and in these words we`d bask,
these phrases she would speak to us,
and these thoughts she would unmask.
Learn to think independently,
to ask the toughest questions without fear
to grasp tightly to every opportunity
and hold your loved ones near.
She`d remind us there is sunshine
to turn our faces to the stars
and with every word she`d stir up hope
that we can break society`s bars.
Take time, she would say,
and if you cannot take time, make time.
Smell the leaves in autumn
and simply sit and think
when you see the rain drops pouring down
stop and take a drink.
Spend time with your family
if you`ve no one, find a friend,
for community is wealth
and wealth will never be more valuable than friends.
Honest words are precious
conversation is a gift,
let people challenge your thoughts
they`ll keep you from going adrift.
The media is not a source of wisdom
you do not have to conform
majority does not equal truth
there is hope to be transformed.
If you`re shunned it does not make you worthless
when society is judge all is never fair
but when you know your calling
you can stand up to its glare.
Explore the deepest canyons
let your mind look in the caves
life is an adventure