Progress sees no need for humanity therefore, the car makes no real effort to relate to Mr. Mead “no profession,” it is denying the existence of humanity. Mead has no inclination either to sit in front of a “viewing screen” or to breathe air from an “air conditioner” When the car assigns Mr. Mead’s desire to get back to nature-to walk just “to see”. The car does not comprehend the need for humanity. The disdain that progress shows for humanity, which results in mankind’s loss of soul, is shown through the interaction of Mr. Altogether, these features create a picture of unfeeling progress.

There is “nothing soft” about the car all traces of humanity have been cleaned from its “riveted steel” with a “harsh antiseptic”. The omission of a human driver emphasizes cold, “metallic” progress. It is itself a robot, and it speaks in a “phonograph voice” through a “radio throat”. The car is representative of several modern inventions, thereby embodying mankind’s advancement. When not holding humanity captive, the car’s lights revert to “flashing … dim lights,” showing the absence of any real soul. Mead, the car possesses a “fierce” and “fiery” light that holds humanity “fixed” like a “museum specimen”-something from the past that should be looked at behind an impersonal plate of glass. The light of the car, however, displays the absence of humanity. Mead, Bradbury has mirrored the characteristics of progress in the police car. Mead a true representative of humanity.Īs a contrast to the humanity portrayed by Mr. The combination of these elements makes Mr. Mead is brought into a parallel with the most tender and human holiday observed in the western world when the rush of cold air makes his lungs “blaze like a Christmas tree”. His shadow is described as the “shadow of a hawk,” relating him to a wild and free-spirited bird. Leonard Mead most dearly loved to do.” Man is most human when surrounded by the elements. Something as simple as taking a walk is “what Mr. Mead’s house beams “loud yellow illumination”. In essence, the embodiment of humanity is about. If, during his night walks, people are alerted to his presence, “lights … click on”. Leonard Mead is associated with warm, bright light, which is symbolic of soul.

In “The Pedestrian,” Ray Bradbury shows that if mankind advances to the point where society loses its humanity, then mankind may as well cease to exist.

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