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Transcript

Does this story sound familiar?

Comprehension Questions

George agrees to turn on the nursery one more time, putting himself and his wife in jeopardy, because he believes that there is a definite distinction between illusion and reality. Something that is an illusion can never become truly "real." This is why George believes that the lions are no real threat. Unfortunately, the Veldt does become real.

Does our imagination... ever become dangerous?

Illusion Vs. Reality

It is the opposite of a utopia. Dystopias often serve as warnings of potential dangers that can

be brought on through the misuse of technology or power. In "The Veldt," Bradbury

turns the Hadley's Happy−life Home into a dystopia that gradually dehumanizes the

children and destroys the parents. The dangers are revealed slowly through the story as

George begins to realize that the wonderful home that he has provided for his family

might not be so wonderful at all. His dream home actually turns into a nightmare.

Dystopia

George Hadley shows the theme of consumerism because he believes in getting the best that money can buy for his family. George believes that he can show his family love by buying them things. Allowing material possessions to stand in for direct human interaction and expressions of love, however, is what ultimately sets George up as the enemy to his children. The theme is summed up near the end of the story when George asks Lydia, "What prompted us to buy a nightmare?" and she replies, "Pride, money, foolishness."

Consumersim

1. What unusual technology in the story suggests a futuristic setting? How does the nursery work? Is it functioning properly in the story?

2. What is the major conflict within the story and what type is it?

3. What explanation can you give for the father’s wallet and the mother’s scarf being in the nursery? What does this suggest about the events to follow?

4. How does the author create and maintain suspense?

5. What comments does Bradbury’s story make about a)the generation gap b)the nature of children and c)the influence of technology on people today? What is your response to each of these comments?

What thematic topics are present within the story? What are some of the author's criticisms (tone)?

Further Analysis

  • August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012
  • American fantasy, horror, science fiction, and mystery writer
  • Best known for his dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953)
  • Bradbury could not afford to go to college, so he went to the local library instead:
  • "Libraries raised me," he later said. "I believe in libraries because most students don't have any money. When I graduated from high school, it was during the Depression, and we had no money. I couldn't go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years."
  • One of the most celebrated among 20th and 21st century writers of science fiction.

"The VELDT"

Ray Bradbury

Quick-Write/Quick Discussion:

Do you think that we rely on technology too much? Is technology becoming the new nanny?

"The Veldt"

Ray Bradbury

"The Veldt" was written in 1950 by Ray Bradbury. "The Veldt," like many of Bradbury’s short stories, takes place in a house with abundant technology and revolves around the family who lives there: George and Lydia Hadley and their children, Wendy and Peter. The title is a mysterious one because it does not seem to have anything to do with the story. Does anyone know what a "veldt" is?

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