Reading “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury

Part 1

Begin reading “The Veldt.” Follow the instructions below.

Stop reading after Lydia says, “Why don't we shut the whole house off for a few days
and take a vacation?”

Answer the following questions:

1. Describe the setting of this story. Give proof from the story to back up your answer.

2. Why do you think Lydia wants to shut off the house? At this stage in the story, what
do you think will be the children's (Peter and Wendy) reaction to this idea? Support your
opinion with evidence from the story.

Continue reading. Stop reading after George says, “I'm starting to wonder.”

3. What is the nursery? What do the walls of the nursery reflect?

4. In what way can the nursery serve the needs of both parents
and children?
5. How does Bradbury describe the physical appearance of Peter
and Wendy when they return home in the evening? How does their physical description
contrast with what we know about their mental activities (their thoughts)?

Continue reading. At the conclusion of the story, answer the following questions.

6. Atmosphere in a story is the prevailing feeling or mood. It usually sets up

expectations in the reader about the outcome of an episode or plot. It is created by
descriptive words, imagery and dialogue. Describe the atmosphere of the story, using
adjectives only (such as “creepy” or “cold”). Use plenty of them to build a solid picture of
the atmosphere.

Part 2

Read each of the following quotes and answer the questions that follow.

“They walked down the hall of their HappyLife Home, which had cost them thirty
thousand dollars with everything included. This house which clothed and fed and rocked
them to sleep and played and sang and was good to them.” (Bradbury 1).

7. What is the home replacing?

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“’But I thought that's why we bought this house, so we wouldn't have to do
anything?"’ (Bradbury 3).

8. What does this tell you about the dad?

“Peter looked at his shoes. He never looked at his father any more, nor at his
mother.” (Bradbury 8).

9. Why is this quote important? What does it suggest about Peter?

10. Why was Peter screaming, “Don't let father kill everything”? (Bradbury 12). What
was George actually doing? What does this suggest about Peter's relationship with
technology?

Part 3

After Reading:

There are several themes in “The Veldt.” The theme in a story is its underlying
message, or 'big idea.' It is the critical belief about life that the author is trying to convey.
This belief, or idea, transcends cultural barriers, and is usually universal in nature.

11. What argument is the author making about technology?

12. What is the author trying to say about family?

The rise in the popularity of television had a direct influence on Bradbury’s story “The
Veldt.” At the time the story was written (1950’s), many American families were acquiring
their first television sets, and no one was sure exactly how this new technology would
impact the relationships among family members. Some people were afraid that
watching too much television would lead to the total breakdown of the family unit. This
fear is directly reflected in “The Veldt,” but in the story, Bradbury heightens the odds by
creating a machine that not only allows children to detach emotionally from their
parents, but one that can also physically destroy the parents, as well.

12. What current technologies create generation gaps?

13. What concerns do parents have today about their children? Are these concerns
legitimate? Why or why not?

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