Final answer:
The allusion to "Master Ridley" in Bradbury's book refers to Nicholas Ridley, a martyr who was burned for heresy, symbolizing the sacrifice for beliefs and resistance to censorship. The woman's allusion to Ridley signifies her own sacrifice and upholding of values in a repressive society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The allusion to "Master Ridley" according to Beatty refers to Nicholas Ridley, one of the Oxford Martyrs who were burned at the stake for heresy in 1555. Ridley's death represented the ultimate sacrifice for one's beliefs, echoing the themes of knowledge, censorship, and martyrdom within Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. The woman alluded to Ridley during the fire as a final act of defiance and commitment to her principles. Her invocation of his name suggests a parallel between the act of burning books and the persecution of those who hold unorthodox beliefs.
In Ray Bradbury's narrative, the allusion serves as a poignant reminder of the historical consequences of censorship and the power of standing by one's convictions, even in the face of severe punishment or death. The woman's reference to Ridley amplifies the gravity of the situation and the deep-rooted convictions that lead her to choose death over life in a society devoid of true freedom.
The act of martyrdom as exemplified by Ridley is intricately tied to the themes of knowledge and censorship, highlighting the struggle between intellectual freedom and authoritarian control. This allusion is not only a historical reminder but also a stark warning about the dangers of a society complacently accepting the suppression of divergent ideas and the written word.