what is th esignificance of the memory and the wish?

Montag recalls a candle when he is talking with Clarrise. Her eyes remind her of it,

"One time, as a child, in a power failure, his mother had found and lit a last candle and there had been a brief hour of rediscovery, of such illumination that space lost its vast dimensions and drew comfortably around them, and they, mother and son, alone, transformed, hoping that the power might not come on again too soon..."

MOntag remembers the warmth and simplicity of the candle. It is a warmth that he has not felt in a long time. Clarrise inspires a similar warmth in Montag. She is simple, beautiful and real. Montag longs for these traits.