#DEATH IMAGERY IN THE PEDESTRIAN DRIVER#

The dead leaves scattered on the ground are etched with a 'skeletal pattern' (104). He sets the story in November, near the onset of winter, signifying the coming of death. Bradbury poignantly has progress drive away the remnants of humanity.īradbury stresses death in his imagery to emphasize what life would be like in a world that has let progress drive humanity away. It just locks him away in the 'black jail' of its back seat and takes him away (106). Progress sees no need for humanity therefore, the car makes no real effort to relate to Mr. Mead 'o profession,' it is denying the existence of humanity (105). Mead has no inclination either to sit in front of a 'viewing screen' or to breathe air from an 'air conditioner' (105). Mead's desire to get back to nature-to walk just 'to see' (105). The car does not comprehend the need for humanity. The disdain that progress shows for humanity, which results in mankind's loss of soul, is shown through the interaction of Mr. Altogether, these features function to create a picture of unfeeling progress. There is 'nothing soft' about the car all traces of humanity have been cleaned from its 'riveted steel' with a 'arsh antiseptic' (106).

#DEATH IMAGERY IN THE PEDESTRIAN DRIVER#

Finally, the omission of a human driver emphasizes cold, 'metallic' progress (105-06). It is itself a robot, and it speaks in a 'phonograph voice' through a 'radio throat' (105-06). The car is representative of several modern inventions, thereby embodying mankind's advancement. dim lights,' showing the absence of any real soul (106). When not holding humanity captive, the car's lights revert to 'flashing. Mead, the car possesses a 'fierce' and 'fiery' light that holds humanity 'fixed' like a 'museum specimen'-something from the past that should be looked at behind an impersonal plate of glass (105-06). The light of the car, however, displays the absence of humanity. Mead, Bradbury has mirrored the characteristics of progress in the police car.

Mead a true representative of humanity.Īs a contrast to the humanity portrayed by Mr. The combination of these elements makes Mr. Mead is brought into a parallel with the most tender and human holiday observed in the western world when the rush of cold air makes his lungs 'blaze like a Christmas tree' (104). Mead's shadow is described as the 'shadow of a hawk,' relating him to a wild and free-spirited bird (104). Man is most human when surrounded by the elements.

Leonard Mead most dearly loved to do' (104). Something as simple as taking a walk is 'what Mr. 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. Mead's house beams 'loud yellow illumination' (105). In essence, the embodiment of humanity is about. If, during his night walks, people are alerted to his presence, 'lights. Mead is associated with warm, bright light, which is symbolic of soul. Through characterization and imagery, he shows that if mankind advances to the point where society loses its humanity, then mankind may as well cease to exist.īradbury has elected to reflect the humanity of mankind in the character of Mr.

In 'The Pedestrian,' Ray Bradbury has chosen to make a statement on the effects of these improvements. However, as children give up reading and playing outdoors to plug into the television set, one might wonder whether it is progress or regression. Mankind has made great leaps toward progress with inventions like the television.

Death imagery in the pedestrian