Who would not want to make their life easier or happier? Advancements in technology help with the everyday tasks in our lives. Although it may be hard to imagine life without your iPhone or laptop, too much dependence on technology can destroy self-reliance. This idea is presented by Ray Bradbury in his novel, Dandelion Wine.
In his novel, Bradbury criticizes new technology, and its ability to take over our lives. In the book, the main character named Douglas is a 12 year old boy who sees things in his life as machines. The Green Machine is really a low powered vehicle that is meant to transport people to their destination, but it ends up injuring another being. The Time Machine, who is actually Mr. Freeleigh, entertains children with his stories from the past until his untimely death. The Happiness Machine is intended to make people happier, but it just makes people miserable.
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He tinkers in his garage for weeks and finally completes his machine after neglecting his wife and children. The machine big and bright orange and displays images of distant places such as Paris and emits pleasant smells to make the user happy. Leo’s wife insists on trying out the machine after becoming upset and frustrated by him. To his surprise, she comes out of it crying. “Oh, the beautiful things I saw there, she exclaims, only to discover it’s all fake. I didn't go to any of those places, didn't actually experience them, not will I ever. I just saw them, then had to leave them to return to this place, this reality of basic life and poverty. So what's the point? I am sadder now than before I was in the machine because now I'm thinking of those places, and things, I can never see or