The Pedestrian Mead Character Analysis

Richard Flanagan once said, “So there you have it: two things & I can't bring them together & they are wrenching me apart. These two feelings, this knowledge of a world so awful, this sense of a life so extraordinary—how am I to resolve them?”. This sentiment proves true for Mr. Leonard Mead in The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury as we follow his disregard of the new world he finds himself in. Readers watch as Mr Mead reveals his personal desire for walks and separation from the new society of 2053, despite the obvious seclusion of his actions. In contempt of his knowledge of how he is expected to conform and act, he consciously chooses to ignore them and go about his own will. These two ideas do not work together, and it’s not long before we …show more content…
When readers are introduced to this it appears to be a normal activity, until Bradbury begins giving us signs that this simple pleasure is in fact out of the ordinary. Mr Mead “wisely changed to sneakers when strolling at night, because dogs in the intermittent squads would parallel his journey with barkings if he wore hard heels”, showing us his knowledge of his defiance against conformity. Talking to oneself can be seen as signs of insanity, or mental illness, but readers could assume that by Mr Mead mimicking the television programs is him content with his own presence. By mocking the television programs Leonard appears comfortable with his choice to detach himself from them, hence not …show more content…
It is important to do what one desires, but also to keep in mind the conflict that can occur. It is common for this conflict to occur in cases of differing lifestyles, as seen in the text. But whether it is more important to follow desire as opposed to conformity is up to the reader, as long as they are aware of the consequences. Of course this text is an exaggeration, but it can be compared to how people expect others to act in the physical world. Despite this notion, following a desired path can prove to be a more satisfying and rewarding path, outweighing the cons. This can lead to self contentment. Readers should always read the situation, and consider the consequences of anti conformity. When it comes down to it, it’s more a matter of passion than consequence. Because when something feels right, no consequence can tell one

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