Decay of Humanity in The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury

Mankind has made great progression with inventions such as the television. However, as people dedicate less time to study or participate in sport, and dedicate more time to tune into their television, one might wonder if this is growth or decay. In "The Pedestrian", Ray Bradbury has decided to make a statement on the possible outcome of these advances. Through clever characterisation, themes and imagery, he shows that if society advances too greatly, then mankind may as well terminate itself. When walking one night, Mr Mead is abruptly stopped by a "metallic voice", for simply walking, but in this world of 2053 A.D, walking appears to be a felony. Mead is arrested and taken "To the Psychiatric Centre for Research on Regressive Tendencies".

The character of Mr Mead is represented by symbols of light, reflecting hope for humanity. Where as dark, coldness is present in the character of the police car. Mead is shaped for modern day society as we know it, individuality, independence and intellectuality fit right into the world of 2007. Where individual, differences are acceptable. Life has clearly deteriorated in the year 2053 A.D. Mead appears to be rebellious against this brand of society, a repressed Government. It seems Mead is involved in abnormal activity, but when one asks oneself, ?What is abnormal activity?? ?Simply walking? doesn?t come into mind- but in this world of 2053 A.D, walking at night has become- abnormal and unacceptable.

Mead in isolated surroundings voices his opinions aloud, maybe to release his aggravation or frustration. He calls to other citizens, cynically ?What?s up tonight on channel 4, channel 7??Where are the cowboys rushing? Mead expresses his frustration as if to mock the viewer...

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...o the story is that, adults, children men and woman should strive to show there individuality. Mead appears to be a danger towards this type of society, yet he is, in a scene a hero in our eyes. Mead is a threat to their authoritarian regime. The government had moulded the malleable citizens, into remote controls (only functioning within a certain distance), of its receiver television. Mead would not be a danger in modern day society as we know it, where citizens assert their individuality. Where walking is known as a harmless pursuit.

This story can be studied as a metaphor on how society deals with non-conformists. It, to, can be read as a metaphor of how society deals with people who are different and intellectual, both in today?s society and in the future society of 2053 A.D.