Guglani

Neer
Mrs. Fraser
English8
Sept.22nd,2022
“The Veldt” Characterization (Peter)

“Too much love never spoils children. Children become spoiled when we substitute

presents for presence.” (Anthony Witham) This quote perfectly summarizes the message that

Ray Bradbury is trying to convey to the reader, it is as if Anthony Witham had “The Veldt” in

mind while saying this. Which is to not give your kids handouts and have them workhand while

spending time with them."The Veldt” by: Ray Bradbury features Peter, the son of George and

Lydia. Two unassuming parents who fail to realize Peter's true ambition before it is far too late.

Ray Bradbury makes it clear in this short story that Peter is a cold-hearted, demanding, and

intelligent person whose obsession knows no bounds. Peter is a peculiar character with a cold-

hearted persona. This idea becomes clearer towards the end of the story. “I wish you were dead.”

(pg. 262) In this quote Peter expresses his hatred towards his father by wishing that he were

dead. The same hatred that will later drive him towards making his wish come true. If something

is evident in this tale it is that peter is intelligent and clever. "Peter doesn’t know machinery.”

“He’s a wise one for ten that I.Q of his-” (pg.254) This quote further supports this argument as

Lydia is directly informing the reader that he is very smart for his age. George, however,

underestimates Peter’s intelligence which he will soon learn is a fatal mistake. Most of all Peter

is demanding. This trait of his is the most important as it fuels Peters anger and hatred towards

his father. “Wendy was still crying, and peter joined her again. “Just a moment, just one moment,

just another moment of nursery,” they wailed.” (pg.262) This quote also justifies this point as

Peter and his sister Wendy are constantly asking, they are for just one last moment of the
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nursery. Eventually their father reluctantly agrees. (Little did their father know that one moment

would cost him and his wife their life). In conclusion, although Peter is cold-hearted, intelligent,

and demanding, these traits of his drive the plot forward and help Ray Bradbury relay an

important message to the reader, do not spoil your kids and give them everything because

eventually they will forget the value of hard work and will begin to depend on getting handouts.