In Part III of Fahrenheit 451, "Burning Bright," Montag's fate is to be hunted and killed. The Hound, programmed to kill Montag, is chasing him, and, as the TV says, "The Mechanical Hound never fails" (page numbers vary by edition). The Hound represents what seems like inescapable fate. Montag thinks to himself, "Nowhere. There was nowhere to go, no friend to turn to, really" (page numbers vary by edition). Montag himself doubts that he can escape his fate. In addition, as Montag tries to escape, the television asks everyone in the society to fling open their doors to look for him. It seems doubtful that he can escape his fate, and it seems probable that he will be killed.
However, at the last minute, Montag reaches the river. As he nears the water, "A storm of light fell upon the river and Montag dived under the great illumination as if the sun had broken the clouds" (page numbers vary by edition). In this passage, the river represents hope and deliverance, as it carries Montag and his scent away from the Hound and carries him away from the helicopters that are chasing him. By reaching the water, which is also a symbol of rebirth, Montag is able to outrun fate (in the form of the Hound) and be delivered to a better future.
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