About an essay over "The Pedestrain" by Ray Bradbury?

Question

Bradbury clearly considers literature to be an essential part of civilization. Do you think the story convincingly supports his position? Why or why not? Consider setting, mood, character, tone, and theme as you formulate an opinion. Then, write a persuasive essay on which you analyze and evaluate the story's case for a literate society. Use details and example to support your points.

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OK.. I was hoping someone could help me with this.. I'm not wanting you to do this for me or anything but.. I don't understand like how the setting, mood, character, tone, and theme have anything to do with how he considers literature to be an essential part in civilization.. And we are supposed to address each thing.. And i don't think "The Pedestrian" shows how literature is essential.. but i just cant explain... Thanks to who helps me out =)

Answer 1

"The Pedestrian" isn't a story about literature so much as it is about how our electronic media-centered world robs us not only of individuality, but blocks us from experiencing the real and physical world.

Inspired by an experience he had late one night walking in Los Angeles, Bradbury extrapolated a near-future in which anyone not "tuned in", anyone wishing to be apart from the norm, is not only subject to arrest, but also considered insane.

In the story, Bradbury remembers with fondness neighbors who were friends instead of strangers, face-to-face conversations, relaxing and enjoying nature. I don't recall books being specifically mentioned, you may want to go back over the story and check, but I think you could safely include reading as an activity that might appear suspicious for this future (it's a stretch, but hey...)

Answer 2

I haven’t read The Pedestrian but these links may help you.

http://www.fictionpress.com/s/2491372/1/...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Bradbur...

http://www.webenglishteacher.com/bradbur...

Answer 3

Well, if you don't think it supports that point you can disagree, you just have to say *why* you think that. You can get as many marks for disagreeing with the essay title as agreeing.

The setting: well, does that setting seem like civilization? You could argue this either way. Society certainly seems to have collapsed, individualization etc. But are these things civilization? (You will have to define civilization in your introduction quite clearly). Mood - very dystopian, repressive. As is the theme (non-conformity). The charactor - obviously, he's a writer. And the charactor represents what we would see as normality. And is the only human and individual.

You might find it helpful to define for yourself what civilisation is and what is essential to it. And then write down what literature means (i.e. self expression would be very much appropriate to this piece. Literature is self-expression, contradicting opinions, etc - all of which appears to be unusual and even abnormal in this society)