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Ray Bradbury's 'The Flying Machine'

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“The Flying Machine” by Ray Bradbury, displays his attitude towards controversial and relevant moral dilemmas. Through the creation of the flying machine, Bradbury unveils the main themes of this story; the perilous exploitation of technology, as well as, Sacrificing to maintain a better society. By manipulating literary devices such as; tone, alliteration symbolism, pathetic fallacy, metaphors, similes, and personification, Bradbury thoroughly expresses his viewpoint on various moral issues, while utilizing imagery to create an effective setting and tone. Bradbury begins this story using imagery and pathetic fallacy to present a soothing tone. The narrator describes that land to be “green with rain” (Bradbury 1), also, the morning weather …show more content…

This is evident because, after seeing the capabilities of the flying machine, the Emperor immediately “looks at the great wall of China” (2). This is very significant, because the Great Wall of China symbolizes unity and protection. Throughout history, the Great Wall of China is known for protecting its civilians from enemy invasions. The civilians depend on this wall very dearly; so when the Emperor sees the flying machine, he knows that by inventing the flying machine, his “Splendid snake of stones which writhed with majesty across the land” (2), will no longer be able to protect his empire. Through the use of, alliteration, metaphor, and personification, Bradbury signifies the importance of the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall is metaphorically compared to a snake, because of the Wall’s lengthy structure. Furthermore, the wall is personified for the Wall majestically rests on land, while it watches over its civilians. However, with new technology such as the flying machine, enemies can effortlessly fly over the Great Wall of China and can cause chaos, which leaves the very symbolic wall vulnerable and useless. The inventor did not think about repercussions before developing this creation. He also fails to recognize that

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