How Does Bradbury Use External Conflict In The Pedestrian

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One man who loved his walks. A November night, misty, dark and silent. His feet buckling the concrete walk with sudden path changes. Peering down the moonlight for miles on end. With silence and nobody on the street, his shadow became the only person next to him for years. These images create the story “The Pedestrian,” where Leonard Mead lives in a society where technology is more important than humanity. Through his use of imagery and external conflict, Bradbury reveals that technology can influence people to isolate themselves, causing societal problems. Lack of socialization and access to technology can make people emotionally drained, leading to pathological internet use. As Leonard uses imagery, he describes the humans that are stuck …show more content…

On the other hand, he does things on his own. For example, when Leonard was stopped by an automated police car, the speaker said “‘walking where? for what?’”(3). He gets stopped because he was walking alone for no reason, just to enjoy the pleasure of walking on an empty street. The repressed society is forcing him to be like the others and to not take part in being against technology. The automated police car stopping him demonstrates how their society is anything but accepting. But being on screen is much more important. As the speaker and Leonard are having a conversation about what he was doing outside, the speaker wants more information about him, he says, “And you have a viewing screen in your house to see with?”(3). The speaker was so concerned that Leonard doesn't have a screen because, as everyone is inside their homes watching their screens, he prefers to be active outside. Having a screen is so important to the cop because it is now what everyone does. He then realizes that Leonard’s likelihood of having a screen is low. In addition, Leonard’s job, now a hobby, is what makes the speaker come to the conclusion that Leonard isn't like the others. Technology is so powerful that people are starting to become

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