Commentary of Sun and Shadow by Ray Bradbury

1049 Words3 Pages

As members of a first-world nation, we are disrespectfully quick to point out the flaws and downfalls of impecunious societies and use the societies like mere scenery, even though we walk together on this earth. In “Sun and Shadow," Ray Bradbury manipulates Ricardo to convey to the reader the impertinence from outsiders and the responses from Ricardo and his fellow townspeople. A photographer is encountered doing a photo shoot on Ricardo’s property, and Ricardo becomes unhappy with his presence and angrily tells him to leave. After Ricardo’s increasingly sharp comments and attitudes augment, the photographer becomes satirical and facetious, poking fun at the lifestyle in which Ricardo lives. The short-tempered townsman reveals his defiance through actions projected towards the photographer. Through the use of characterization, Bradbury defines the fine societal line between Ricardo, the penurious dweller of the village, the inconsiderate photographer, and the sympathetic townspeople. With assertive shouts and short tempers, the prominent character, Ricardo, is characterized as a feisty townsman, doing nothing except trying to protect his town and its members from the judgments of the western world. For example, the characterization of the “‘…quaint’” man is exemplified through the simplicity of his life and the fact that he is “‘…employed’” and is full of knowledge, not a “‘cow in the forest’” (55, 29, 32). Ricardo desperately wants to establish the notion that he is not a heartless, feebleminded man, only an indigent, simple man striving to protect his friends and family from the criticisms of callous cultures. Incessantly Ricardo attempts to make it clear to the photographer the irritation elicited by his prese... ... middle of paper ... ...f that Ricardo and his town are the superior heroes in the story. The crowd’s lack of ostentation characterizes them as a humble dwellers living in an unpretentious town. Through positive reinforcement, the crowd, with the help of the policeman, urges Ricardo to continue to oppose the invading photographer and his hive of cohorts. Through the characterization of Ricardo, the photographer, and the fellow townspeople, Ray Bradbury expresses his viewpoint on the controversy of invading western societies, and the impact it can have on indigenous people. Having experienced the encroachment from outsiders, Ricardo is faced with the persistent fight against the exploitation of innocent towns being turned into fashion sets. We, all members walking together on Earth, must realize the momentousness of unity cooperation regardless of wealth, or power, or race, or class.

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