[Solved] Short Story: The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury Using two quotes from... | CliffsNotes (2024)

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What are some quotes in The Pedestrian? ›

"The Pedestrian" explores themes such as conformity vs. individualism, technology vs. romanticism, isolation, and nature vs. the city.

Quote that supports imagery: "To enter out into that silence that was the city at eight o'clock of a misty evening in November, to put your feet upon that buckling concrete walk, to step over grassy seams and make your way, hands in pockets, through the silences, that was what Mr Leonard Mead most dearly loved to do."

A decision is made by the car that Mr Mead should be taken to 'the Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies'. The conflict is resolved when Mr Mead is taken away to be brainwashed - there is no reasoning with the car.

Through the characterization and imagery of "The Pedestrian," Bradbury has given a warning of what life might lie ahead if mankind relinquishes its humanity to progress. It would be a great loss to watch children grow into hard, cold "police cars" rather than warm, human "Mr. Meads."

“The Pedestrian” is a dystopian short story that describes one night in the life of Leonard Mead, resident of an unnamed city in the year 2053. Mead enjoys walking the city streets alone every night. As he walks the empty streets, he passes the homes of other citizens, who are inside watching television.

As Leonard Mead walks through the city, the streets, homes, and people are all described with imagery of death. Through this use of morbid language, Bradbury predicts that one of the most exciting technological advances of his time, the television, will eventually deaden its viewers.

“Fair is my love, when her fair golden hairs/With the loose wind ye waving chance to mark” The quotation that is the best example of imagery is, Imagery refers to descriptive language where one can visualize the words being told.

In "The Pedestrian," Bradbury creates irony through the use of what should be an ordinary situation—Mr. Mead walking at night—that turns into a life-changing arrest. While Mr. Mead is different from the people with whom he shares the city, taking an evening walk is a normal part of life for many city dwellers.

In "The Pedestrian," the climax occurs when the robotic police car opens the door and tells Mr. Meade to get inside the car.

How is the main conflict in the story resolved? ›

Man is resolved when the two parties come to some sort of agreement. Maybe the main character and whoever the conflict was with decide to go with one person's idea or the other person. Maybe they decide to compromise. They come to some sort of agreement and their conflict is resolved.

Repetition of 'empty' and 'no'. The story ends how it begins with an eerie and tense atmosphere. The reader is left unsettled as technology appears to be in control and we are left wondering what will happen to Leonard. 'Every house on every side' watching TV.

The climax of the story occurs when Mead is ordered to get in the car, apprehended by state power. Significantly, what triggers this moment is the revelation that Mead has walked alone for a long period of time.

But if we don't challenge society or anything else for that matter we find ourselves stuck without change. Leading to the idea that the true meaning of freedom is being able to speak up for what you believe in; Whether it results in punishment or not. If that's what you believe in then preach it all you want.

In "The Pedestrian," Bradbury creates irony through the use of what should be an ordinary situation—Mr. Mead walking at night—that turns into a life-changing arrest. While Mr. Mead is different from the people with whom he shares the city, taking an evening walk is a normal part of life for many city dwellers.