Technological Takeover in The Veldt

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As technology develops through the course of time, humanity relies more upon it. In the present world, technology surrounds humanity across the world, from the cars that take people from one place to the next, to the cell phones that people carry with them. From a world void of electronics, one reliant upon its use will develop in the near future. Ray Bradbury worries about such a future, as he portrays a similar message in "The Veldt." Creative writer Ray Bradbury has written a variety of novels, poems, short stories, and plays. Most of his works are science fiction; however, unlike most authors, "Bradbury warns people against becoming too dependent on science and technology at the expense of moral and aesthetic support" (Jonce). His position against technology stands not only present in his literary works, but also in his lifestyle, as he did not have the technology we consider today vital at his disposal, including a car and computer. In "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury portrays his message through the use of multiple devices. The story takes place in an ideal home equipped with technology to take care of chores, eliminating the need for parents. Inside lies a nursery, a room that created a virtual reality, that would eventually lead to the destruction of the family. The series of events occurs during the Cold War, a time where the development of technology quickly rose. Bradbury sought for the end of the Cold War with his resentment towards technology, leading towards the creation of this short story (Milne). In the short story, "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury sets the theme of restricted use of technology through tone, foreshadowing, and characterization. Bradbury utilizes diction in order to portray tone. Its use describes the technolo... ... middle of paper ... ...ardo, Jr., Anthony J. "The Veldt." Masterplots II: Short Story Series, Revised Edition (2004): 1-3. Literary Reference Center. Web. 21 Jan. 2014. Bradbury, Ray, ed. The Veldt. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2014. . Hart, Joyce. "Critical Essay on 'The Veldt.'" Short Stories for Students. Ed. Ira Mark Milne. Vol. 20. Detroit: Gale, 2005. Literature Resource Center. Web. 21 Jan. 2014. Kattelman, Beth. "Critical Essay on 'The Veldt.'" Short Stories for Students. Ed. Ira Mark Milne. Vol. 20. Detroit: Gale, 2005. Literature Resource Center. Web. 21 Jan. 2014. "Ray Bradbury." Contemporary Authors Online. Detroit: Gale, 2012. Literature Resource Center. Web. 21 Jan. 2014. "The Veldt." Short Stories for Students. Ed. Ira Mark Milne. Vol. 20. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 269-286. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 21 Jan. 2014.

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