Bradbury's "The Pedestrian"

Which of the following statements best describes a major theme of the text?

• By using technology, laws can be better enforced to control society.

• By using technology, society can improve and replace the need for individuals to make decisions.

• By depending on too much technology, we can lose control of society and what it means to be an individual.

• By depending on too much technology, we can limit future advancements.

How does the author’s use of imagery affect the reader’s understanding of the setting?

• Comparing the city to a graveyard suggests people no longer interact.

• Explaining how the sidewalk is cracked and overgrown shows that people no longer care about safety.

• Describing the busy highways shows that the city is thriving because of technology.

• Emphasizing the lights coming from the homes suggests the idea of hope.

The police car is suspicious of Leonard because --

• He isn’t married and doesn’t have a viewing screen

• He isn’t married and lives on an abandoned street

• He speaks even when he is not supposed to

• He doesn’t speak when asked a question

Which detail from the story best supports the idea that the citizens are lifeless inside their homes?

• Magazines and books didn’t sell anymore.

• Everything went on in the tomblike houses at night now.

• He came to a cloverleaf intersection which stood silent where two main highways crossed the town.

• He put his hand to the door and peered into the back seat, which was a little cell, a little balck jail with bars.

What is the author’s purpose in calling a TV a “viewing screen”?

• To control the brand of TV that citizens can buy

• To suggest that big TVs are required by law

• To remind readers that TVs are not the same things as viewing screens

• To reinforce that TV’s are the best way to view the world in this society

How does Leonard’s reaction with the police car contribute to the reader’s understanding of the character?

• It indicates that he is unable to follow the laws.

• It indicates that his career choice is not very popular.

• It indicates that he does not fit in with the rest of society.

• It indicates that exercise is no longer needed in this society.

What criticism is Bradbury making about our society through his depiction of the society in which Leonard Mead lives? Support your answer with evidence from the text.