Literary Devices In The Pedestrian By Ray Bradbury

Ms. Haley 20-1

Haseeb A. Khan

A World Without Choices

Will humanity’s thirst for technological progress eventually lead to a dystopian era of regression where people surrender their freedom and values in exchange for electronics? Throughout history, literature has featured countless depictions of such a world; a world where the populace is enslaved and divided by a power greater than themselves through the use of technology. In his science fiction short story “The Pedestrian,” Ray Bradbury; a reputable author, writes against the excessive dependence and drive that humanity has developed for technology. He expresses his outlook on technology and its systematic conjugation of humanity through the use of the protagonist's character, imagery,

Bradbury's metaphorical use of the cold embodies imagery throughout the story, broaching his intended message of the price one has to pay in not allowing oneself to conform. Leonard's stroll through the city on "a misty evening in November" establishes a cold, gloomy setting. In this stroll, he "send[s] patterns of frosty air" in his wake; a cigar smoke-like air that would "cut the nose and [make] the lungs blaze" when inhaled. This describes the atmosphere as harshly cold, making the reader picture the dystopian world on an extremer level. Mead attempts to not startle "entire street[s]" by his passing; thereby having to restrict his own desire, such as "[changing] to sneakers [at night]," rather than "[wearing] hard heels" which would draw "dogs in intermittent squads" towards him. Even with all of his precautionary actions, Mead encounters "[t]he police," who possesses a cold "metallic voice," relating it to the setting. The dialogue exchanged between "the police car" and Leonard is comparable to "a museum specimen" being experimented on; "needle thrust through [its] chest." The robotic police car shows little to no regard for Leonard, as is shown in the condescending, inhumane way that it speaks to him. Since Leonard's desires do not meet that of society's; "[no] viewing screen in [his] house," and "[he is] not married," the

It forces them to either choose to abandon their freedom and live a life of conformity, or to pursue their desires at a great risk to themselves. If one were to choose the latter, they would become victims of society’s discrimination. As an ultimate result, the conflict between conforming and pursuing one’s desires arises, drawing a path towards humanity’s deterioration. Bradbury’s use of Leonard Mead as a unique individual in his society highlights the abnormal, conflicted societal standards of this world. He illustrates Leonard’s conflicted experiences in this world using imagery; the price one has to pay in not allowing oneself to conform is too great. While this may be a fictional world, it still holds true to the fact that society deems technology to have a greater significance than nature in its many forms. The time period in the future causes one to associate events with a positive connotation, however Bradbury displays the bitter reality of a world where human nature is non-existent; a world that destroys nature in exchange for concrete buildings and metal machinery. If one is forced to choose between conforming to society and its restrictive standards, and pursuing a personal desire, pursuing personal desires should hold greater value. A world where individuals carry no distinct values and beliefs is a world not worth living in. Although one