The Pedestrian (PDF) - Ray Bradbury

# The Pedestrian ## Setting - The story takes place in a futuristic city in the year 2053 A.D. - The city is a desolate and empty place, with no people visible at night. - The streets are deserted and the only light comes from the moon and the headlights of the occasional police car. - The houses...

# The Pedestrian ## Setting - The story takes place in a futuristic city in the year 2053 A.D. - The city is a desolate and empty place, with no people visible at night. - The streets are deserted and the only light comes from the moon and the headlights of the occasional police car. - The houses are all dark and silent, and the only sound is the faint hum of the police car's radio. - The environment is described as cold and gray and the buildings are described as "tomb-like". ## Characters - **Mr. Leonard Mead** - A writer who enjoys walking at night. - He is an anomaly in this futuristic society, as most people stay indoors and watch television at night. - He is seen as unusual and eccentric by the police. - **The Police Car** - Represented as a metallic, robotic entity. - It is very efficient and follows every rule. - It is described as "cold and unfeeling". - **Inhabitants** - Described as "hyeless", and their houses are described as cold and unfeeling. - People stay indoors and watch television, and are never seen outside. ## Plot Summary - The story begins with Mr. Mead walking through the deserted city streets at night. - He enjoys walking alone and observing the empty houses and streets. - He is stopped by a police car, which sees him as a suspicious character. - The police car questions him about his purpose for being outside, and is eventually arrested and taken to the Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies. ## Themes - **Technology vs. Humanity** The story explores how technology has made the world more isolated and people less connected. - **Conformity vs. Individuality** The story is a critique of a society in which individuality is not allowed and people are expected to conform. - **The Dangers of a Surveillance State** The story warns of the dangers of a society where people are constantly monitored by the government. ## Symbolism - **The Walk** Mr. Mead's walk is a symbol of his individuality and his resistance to conformity. - **The Police Car** The police car represents authority, technology and the state. - **The Houses** Represent the lifelessness and coldness of the society. - **The Moon** Symbolises the beauty and tranquility of nature. - **The Stars** Symbolises the hope and freedom that is still possible in spite of the society's oppression. ## Tone - **Bleak and Disturbing** The story creates a sense of unease and foreboding. - **Satirical** Bradbury uses humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of the society. ## Style - **Descriptive** Bradbury uses strong imagery and vivid language to create a clear picture of the setting and characters. - **Symbolic** Bradbury uses symbols to represent the themes of the story.