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The Existence Of Humanity In Ray Bradbury's

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Ray Bradbury has elected to reflect the humanity of mankind in the character of Leonard Mead. Leonard Mead is associated with warm, bright light, which is symbolic of soul. Since literature not only records the history of mankind but also evokes deep feeling among men, it brings this occupation close to the heart of humanity. As a contrast to the humanity portrayed by Leonard Mead, Ray Bradbury has mirrored the characteristics of progress in technology in the police car. The car, as well as Leonard Mead, is associated with light. The light of the car, however, displays the absence of humanity. Rather than the "warm" light of Leonard Mead, the car possesses a "fierce" and "fiery" light that holds humanity "fixed" like a museum specimen -- something …show more content…

The car does not comprehend the need for humanity. It does not understand Mr. Mead's desire to get back to nature--to walk just to see. It cannot fathom why Leonard Mead has no inclination either to sit in front of a viewing screen or to breathe air from an air conditioner. When the car assigns Leonard Mead "no profession," it is denying the existence of humanity. Progress sees no need for humanity; therefore, the car makes no real effort to relate to Leonard …show more content…

He sets the story in November, near the onset of winter, signifying the coming of death. When Leonard Mead chooses to walk in a westerly direction, the direction in which the sun sets, it also signifies the coming of death. The streets are described as dry river beds; there is no life in them. People sit dead in their tomblike homes; walking through the neighborhood is similar to walking through a graveyard. Ray Bradbury's world without humanity has virtually ceased to exist. In the story, technology is at a point where it controls people’s lives and their social habits, making humans slaves to technology. This shows that the television has become more important to society than the humans.
Moreover, Leonard Mead's behavior is deemed threatening even though it is not hurting anyone -- the powers in charge believe that his determination to walk every night could upset their social stability. He does not have a viewing screen in his house, which is expected of the members of this society. His behavior proposes an alternative activity that the government does not approve of, and this threatens their power. The police car, a representative of the powers in control, disapprove of his behavior, but the entire society disapproves as well. Ostracizing him is form of

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