Friday, September 9, 2016

What is the meaning of the phrase "tomb-like" in the story "The Pedestrian"?

In "The Pedestrian," Bradbury uses the phrase "tomb-like" to describe the houses that the pedestrian walks by. In terms of its literal meaning, Bradbury is suggesting that the houses look like graves or mausoleums; they are dark and quiet and seem empty, as though there is nobody inside.

Looking deeper, the phrase is significant because it implies that the people inside these houses are like ghosts, dead people. Specifically, they are "phantoms" who would rather stay inside and watch television than venture outside and connect with the world. Notice how this idea creates a sharp contrast between these people and the main character, Leonard Mead. Mead is the complete opposite: he enjoys walking around the city and would rather do this than watch television. 


In addition, by using the phrase "tomb-like," Bradbury creates a dark and gloomy atmosphere that hints at the events to come: Meads's encounter with the police. 

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