Dark They Were And Golden-Eyed Character Analysis

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In “Dark They Were, And Golden-Eyed,” by Ray Bradbury, Harry Bittering and his family moved to Mars to avoid a nuclear war on Earth. They end up stranded on Mars indefinitely. As soon as Harry steps foot onto The Red Planet, the wind begins to affect his appearance. Working in the garden, Harry is exposed to the Martian Sun, which transforms him mentally. Against his will, Harry is forced to eat the food grown on Mars, which changes his emotional outlook. His decision to swim in the water demonstrates a spiritual shift, and acceptance of living on Mars. Throughout the story, Harry slowly evolves into a Martian, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
AS soon as the Earthmen arrive, the viral infection, which will transform them …show more content…

Thinking about all the changes that have occured to living things brought to Earth to Mars, makes Harry fearful and anxious, and suddenly, ”A strange word emerged from Mr. Bitterings lips. ’Iorrt. Iorrt. ’He repeated it”(245). Working long hours in the garden, under the hot sun, may have contributed to Harry’s mental changes. Although he tries to resist what is happening, he is still becoming a martian. He understands the language innately. Unable to stop the mental and physical changes, he will have to make an emotional shift to live a happy life on …show more content…

When all the food from Earth that was stored in the Deep Freeze ran out, Harry, feeling defeated, gives in and eats a meal from Mars, “He took a sandwich, opened it, looked at it, and began to nibble at it”(246). Losing the fight against becoming a Martian, Harry’s only choice is to eat the food grown on Mars, or he will die. Harry will have to emotionally accept being a Martian. Now that Harry has relaxed, a spiritual transition completed his metamorphosis.
Finally, Mr. Bittering and all the humans have succumbed to the virus and will live out their days as Martians. Sinking down into the deep canal, Harry imagines,”the water washing away our old bodies and strengthening the bones”(248). Spiritually, Harry has transformed into a real martian. He doesn’t think of himself as a person from Earth anymore. Harry starts to change his perspectives, and fully accepts a martian life physically, mentally, emotionally, and

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