Only as the story progresses do you learn something of what has happened outside the McClellan home. What effect do you think this delay creates?

By not telling his readers what has happened to the people and society at the beginning of the story, “There Will Come Soft Rains”, Bradbury is building suspense and mystery.  It’s a wonderful technique to get the reader interested and excited to read for deeper meaning and to find clues and connections to what is really going on in the story.  The vacant house full of technology and gadgets to serve the inhabitants of the...

By not telling his readers what has happened to the people and society at the beginning of the story, “There Will Come Soft Rains”, Bradbury is building suspense and mystery.  It’s a wonderful technique to get the reader interested and excited to read for deeper meaning and to find clues and connections to what is really going on in the story.  The vacant house full of technology and gadgets to serve the inhabitants of the house continues to beep, make breakfast, and play the owners’ favorite tunes.  The fact that there is no one there to enjoy this easy lifestyle adds confusion to the story.  The story slowly unfolds for the pleasure of the reader, and when it is finally revealed that a nuclear war has occurred, the reader is able to piece together all the context clues and have a satisfying reading experience.