Explore The Pedestrian Questions Answers Class 10 ICSE to understand Ray Bradbury’s classic story, “The Pedestrian.” For exam preparation, this article provides comprehensive questions and answers, helping Class 10 ICSE students. The story analyzes themes like isolation, technology, and society’s impact on individual freedom.
About the Author
Ray Douglas Bradbury (1920-2012) was one of the most celebrated 20th-century American authors and screenwriters. He worked in a variety of modes, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.
About the Text:
The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury is set in the year 2053. The story follows Leonard Mead, a man who enjoys taking long walks at night. The city is silent, as most people stay indoors watching television. During one of his walks, he encounters a police car. The car, controlled by technology, questions him and finds his behavior odd. Since he has no clear purpose or social ties, the car takes him to a psychiatric center. The story highlights themes of loneliness, technology, and lost human connection.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers
- The paper (paper – 2) has four Sections: SECTION A – MCQs, SECTION B – DRAMA, SECTION C – PROSE – SHORT STORIES, SECTION D – POETRY
- Section A is compulsory – All questions in Section A must be answered.
- One must attempt one question from each of the Sections B, C, and D and one other question from any Section of one’s choice.
Section A
Attempt all questions from this section
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 1
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. What does Mr. Leonard Mead enjoy doing the most in the evening?
(A) Watching TV
(B) Talking to neighbors
(C) Taking long walks
(D) Reading books
Ans: (C) Taking long walks
2. How does Mr. Mead describe the silence of the houses he passes?
(A) Like a bustling city
(B) Like a lively neighborhood
(C) Like a graveyard
(D) Like a garden
Ans: (C) Like a graveyard
3. What does Mr. Mead notice about the city in A.D. 2053?
(A) It’s filled with people
(B) It’s noisy and lively
(C) It feels lonely and empty
(D) It’s in a state of chaos
Ans: (C) It feels lonely and empty
4. Which of the following best describes Mr. Mead’s attire during his walk?
(A) Boots to avoid cold
(B) Sneakers to make less noise
(C) Sandals for comfort
(D) Dress shoes for style
Ans: (B) Sneakers to make less noise
5. When Mr. Mead encounters a police car, how many police cars does he recall the city has left?
(A) None
(B) One
(C) Three
(D) Five
Ans: (B) One
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 2
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. What is the police car’s response when Mr. Mead says he’s a writer?
(A) “Interesting profession!”
(B) “That’s unusual.”
(C) “No profession.”
(D) “Please continue.”
Ans: (C) “No profession.”
2. What significant change in society does the text imply has happened by A.D. 2053?
(A) More people work from home
(B) Police have become rare
(C) People prefer walking to driving
(D) Crime has increased drastically
Ans: (B) Police have become rare
3. What is the police car’s main suspicion about Mr. Mead’s activity?
(A) He is committing a crime
(B) He is avoiding his home responsibilities
(C) Walking is unusual and unnecessary
(D) He has violated a curfew
Ans: (C) Walking is unusual and unnecessary
4. Where is Mr. Mead taken by the police car at the end of the text?
(A) His home
(B) Police station for questioning
(C) Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies
(D) To a court for trial
Ans: (C) Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies
5. What is unique about Mr. Mead’s house compared to others?
(A) It has all lights off
(B) It has all lights on
(C) It’s located on a busy street
(D) It is painted differently
Ans: (B) It has all lights on
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 3
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. What is Mr. Mead’s emotional state as he is taken away by the police car?
(A) Relieved
(B) Terrified
(C) Amused
(D) Resigned
Ans: (D) Resigned
2. Why does Mr. Mead choose to walk at night?
(A) To observe nature
(B) To see people
(C) For fresh air and solitude
(D) To visit friends
Ans: (C) For fresh air and solitude
3. What was the likely purpose of Mr. Mead asking, “Where are the cowboys rushing?” to empty houses?
(A) He is interested in a TV show
(B) He mocks the television programs people watch
(C) He enjoys Western culture
(D) He hopes someone will answer
Ans: (B) He mocks the television programs people watch
4. How does the narrator compare Mr. Mead’s experience on the street?
(A) Like walking in a bustling town
(B) Like exploring a garden
(C) Like being in a desert
(D) Like entering a castle
Ans: (C) Like being in a desert
5. Which metaphor does the text use to describe Mr. Mead’s breath in the cold?
(A) Warm as a fire
(B) Like the smoke of a cigar
(C) Misty as the clouds
(D) Frosty like snow
Ans: (B) Like the smoke of a cigar
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 4
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. What did Mr. Mead usually hear from inside the houses while he was walking?
A) Loud music
B) Murmurs and whispers
C) People calling out
D) Sounds of cooking
Answer: B) Murmurs and whispers
2. Why did Mr. Mead wear sneakers instead of hard-heeled shoes while walking?
A) To stay warm
B) To avoid making noise
C) For extra comfort
D) To walk faster
Answer: B) To avoid making noise
3. What did Mr. Mead ask the houses about when he walked by?
A) The current television channels
B) The weather outside
C) Their residents’ names
D) The time of day
Answer: A) The current television channels
4. What did Mr. Mead imagine when he closed his eyes on the street?
A) A forest
B) A large city crowd
C) A desert with no houses for miles
D) A peaceful beach
Answer: C) A desert with no houses for miles
5. How long had it been since Mr. Mead saw someone else walking?
A) Three months
B) Five years
C) Ten years
D) Twenty years
Answer: C) Ten years
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 5
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. What was notable about the cloverleaf intersection during the night?
A) It was filled with cars
B) It was brightly lit
C) It was silent and empty
D) It was under construction
Answer: C) It was silent and empty
2. What did Mr. Mead see at the cloverleaf intersection?
A) Street performers
B) Rustling cars
C) Scarab-beetle cars during the day
D) New traffic lights
Answer: C) Scarab-beetle cars during the day
3. Why was there only one police car left in the city?
A) Crime rates had decreased
B) Budget issues
C) The police had modernized their equipment
D) The city was very small
Answer: A) Crime rates had decreased
4. What did Mr. Mead do when he saw the police car?
A) He ran away
B) He approached it confidently
C) He stood still
D) He hid
Answer: C) He stood still
5. What reason did Mr. Mead give for being outside?
A) He was looking for his pet
B) He was shopping
C) He was walking to get fresh air and to see
D) He was meeting someone
Answer: C) He was walking to get fresh air and to see
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 6
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. How did the police car respond to Mr. Mead’s profession as a writer?
A) It praised him
B) It ignored it
C) It noted it as “no profession”
D) It encouraged him to write more
Answer: C) It noted it as “no profession”
2. How did Mr. Mead react when asked about having a viewing screen?
A) He denied having one
B) He lied and said he had one
C) He didn’t answer
D) He showed it to the police car
Answer: A) He denied having one
3. Where did the police car take Mr. Mead?
A) To his house
B) To a detention center
C) To the Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies
D) To a nearby hospital
Answer: C) To the Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies
4. Why did the police car take Mr. Mead to the center?
A) He was acting suspiciously
B) Walking was considered a regressive tendency
C) He didn’t have a valid ID
D) He had broken a law
Answer: B) Walking was considered a regressive tendency
5. What was unique about Mr. Mead’s house compared to others?
A) It was dimly lit
B) It had all lights on
C) It was very small
D) It was painted a different color
Answer: B) It had all lights on
SECTION C
(Answer one or more questions from this Section.)
PROSE – SHORT STORIES
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 1
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“To enter out into that silence that was the city at eight o’clock of a misty evening in November, to put your feet upon that buckling concrete walk, to step over grassy seams and make way, hands in pockets, through the silences, that was what Mr. Leonard Mead most dearly loved to do.”
1. Why does Mr. Mead enjoy walking through the city at night?
Ans: Mr. Mead enjoys walking through the city at night because it provides him with peace and solitude, something rare in his time. The deserted streets offer him an escape from a technology-dominated society where human interactions have diminished. His nightly walks are a chance to connect with nature and observe his surroundings without disturbance, a practice that symbolizes his resistance to societal norms.
2. Describe the setting of the city when Mr. Mead steps out.
Ans: The city setting is described as silent and misty, wrapped in a November evening haze. The concrete paths are cracked, with grassy seams poking through, emphasizing a sense of neglect. The streets, devoid of people and life, create a ghostly ambiance, reinforcing Mr. Mead’s isolation and hinting at the decline of the city’s vibrancy.
Ans: The author emphasizes isolation through the silent, empty streets, and Mr. Mead’s solitary figure, wandering alone. Phrases like “silences” and “dearly loved to do” highlight his personal attachment to solitude, while his physical disconnection from others showcases the lack of companionship and interaction in this futuristic society.
4. What can be inferred about the society in which Mr. Mead lives based on this extract?
Ans: Based on this extract, it can be inferred that Mr. Mead lives in a society where people are generally indoors, likely occupied with technology instead of engaging with the outside world. The abandoned, quiet streets reflect a city that has become indifferent to personal freedom and social interaction, hinting at a future where individualism and natural beauty are overlooked.
5. Explain how Mr. Mead’s actions reflect his personality.
Ans: Mr. Mead’s nightly walks and his enjoyment of the silence demonstrate a rebellious, independent spirit. Unlike others in his society who are likely glued to their screens, Mead seeks real-world experiences and values the natural world. His habit of wandering through quiet streets reveals his nonconformity and his yearning for authenticity and personal freedom in a conformist, technology-obsessed world.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 2
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“He would see the cottages and homes with their dark windows, and it was not unequal to walking through a graveyard… whisperings and murmurs where a window in a tomblike building was still open.”
1. How does Mr. Mead perceive the houses he passes by during his walk?
Ans: Mr. Mead perceives the houses as lifeless and compares them to graves, highlighting the lack of human presence. To him, they are akin to tombs, with faint lights flickering like fireflies, symbolizing the occupants’ detachment from reality and each other. This comparison suggests a morbid, emotionless existence within the homes, further emphasizing his loneliness.
Ans: By comparing the houses to graves, the author creates an eerie, desolate atmosphere that reflects the societal decay and emotional isolation of the inhabitants. The imagery of graveyards and tomb-like structures suggests a death of human connection and natural life, adding to the dystopian tone of the story.
3. Why might the people in these homes be likened to ‘gray phantoms’?
Ans: The people are likened to “gray phantoms” because they are distant and lifeless, more like shadows than real individuals. They remain indoors, absorbed in technology, disconnected from the outside world. This ghostly imagery represents their lack of vibrancy and their existence as passive observers rather than active participants in life.
4. Discuss the significance of Mr. Mead’s use of sneakers while walking.
Ans: Mr. Mead’s choice of sneakers symbolizes his understanding of the society he lives in—he needs to remain unnoticed, moving quietly to avoid disturbing others who are entrenched in their routines. The sneakers allow him a silent, uninterrupted experience, hinting at his desire for freedom and individuality while navigating a restrictive world.
5. How does this extract deepen the reader’s understanding of Mr. Mead’s character?
Ans: This extract reveals Mr. Mead’s sensitivity to his surroundings and his sharp awareness of societal change. His observations about the houses and his choice to walk undetected suggest a contemplative, introspective nature. Unlike the passive residents, Mead actively seeks to engage with his environment, underlining his resistance to conformity and his longing for genuine experiences.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 3
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“He listened to the faint push of his soft shoes through autumn leaves with satisfaction… occasionally picking up a leaf as he passed, examining its skeletal pattern in the infrequent lamplights as he went on, smelling its rusty smell.”
1. What details in this passage illustrate Mr. Mead’s appreciation for nature?
Ans: Mr. Mead’s delight in hearing the crunch of leaves and his interest in examining their patterns reveal his love for nature’s small, often-overlooked details. This appreciation reflects his rejection of technology’s coldness and his preference for organic beauty, showing his desire to reconnect with the physical world that others ignore.
2. How does the description of Mr. Mead’s movements enhance the mood of the scene?
Ans: The description of Mr. Mead’s soft steps through leaves creates a peaceful, contemplative mood, contrasting with the eerie silence of the empty city. His slow, attentive movements emphasize the tranquility of his walk and his harmonious connection to the natural elements, further highlighting his isolation.
3. Explain the significance of the phrase ‘skeletal pattern’ when Mr. Mead examines a leaf.
Ans: The phrase “skeletal pattern” suggests fragility and decay, symbolizing the delicate remnants of nature that Mr. Mead clings to. In the context of a lifeless society, it reflects his awareness of the city’s withering vitality and his nostalgic yearning for a more connected, organic way of life.
4. Why does Mr. Mead find satisfaction in the simple act of walking?
Ans: Mr. Mead finds satisfaction in walking because it allows him freedom from societal constraints and the opportunity to experience a world untouched by technology. Walking offers him solace and a chance to feel truly alive, contrasting sharply with the stagnant existence of his peers. It’s a meditative escape where he can enjoy silence, solitude, and natural beauty.
5. Discuss the thematic importance of Mr. Mead’s interaction with the autumn leaves.
Ans: Mr. Mead’s interaction with the leaves highlights the theme of individuality versus conformity. While society is trapped indoors, he values the world’s simple, authentic pleasures. The decaying leaves symbolize the fading human connection to nature, and Mead’s appreciation for them underscores his role as an outlier who clings to forgotten values in an otherwise mechanical society.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 4
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“Sometimes he would walk for hours and miles and return only at midnight… feeling that he might be the last human alive.”
1. What emotions does Mr. Mead experience during his nighttime walks?
Ans: Mr. Mead experiences a mix of solitude, melancholy, and a sense of detachment. His feeling of possibly being the “last human alive” underscores his isolation, as he walks through a city devoid of life. This emotion suggests both a yearning for connection and an acceptance of his loneliness.
2. Why does Mr. Mead feel as though he might be the last human alive?
Ans: Mr. Mead feels this way because the streets are always empty, with everyone indoors, engrossed in their televisions. This lack of human interaction and presence creates a post-apocalyptic atmosphere, making him feel like he is the only person left who values the outside world and human experiences.
3. How does Mr. Mead’s feeling of isolation serve as a critique of society?
Ans: His isolation reflects Bradbury’s critique of a society that has sacrificed social connections and outdoor life for technological convenience and entertainment. It shows the negative consequences of a society that isolates individuals in favor of virtual interactions, ultimately leading to a loss of community and a sense of meaning.
4. What is ironic about Mr. Mead’s walks in the context of his society?
Ans: The irony lies in the fact that Mr. Mead’s simple, natural behavior—taking a walk—is considered strange or even rebellious in a society that views isolation and technological dependence as normal. What should be a common, social activity has become an oddity, making Mead seem like an outsider for merely enjoying a natural experience.
5. What does Mr. Mead’s routine reveal about his character?
Ans: Mr. Mead’s routine reveals his nonconformity and resilience. Despite knowing he will encounter no one, he continues his walks, symbolizing his commitment to individuality and his rejection of societal norms. His actions reflect a deep-seated need for freedom and genuine experiences, setting him apart from the rest of society.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 5
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“The light held him fixed, like a museum specimen, needle thrust through chest.”
1. How does the author create tension with the image of the light holding Mr. Mead “fixed”?
Ans: The author creates tension by comparing Mr. Mead to a “museum specimen,” evoking a sense of being trapped and scrutinized. This imagery suggests a loss of freedom and vulnerability, emphasizing the oppressive, surveillance-oriented nature of the society and foreshadowing possible consequences for his nonconformity.
2. What effect does the simile of a “museum specimen” have on the reader’s perception of Mr. Mead?
Ans: The simile makes Mr. Mead appear powerless and frozen in place, much like an object of study. It emphasizes his separation from society, as though he belongs to a past time, preserved as an example of a long-lost lifestyle. This perspective deepens the reader’s empathy for him as someone unable to escape societal judgment.
3. Explain the significance of Mr. Mead being held by the light.
Ans: The light symbolizes the controlling, watchful eye of a surveillance state that punishes any deviation from norms. Mr. Mead’s being “fixed” under its beam represents society’s intolerance for individuality and nonconformity. It suggests that those who step out of line are subjected to scrutiny, pressure, and ultimately restraint.
4. How does this imagery connect to the story’s themes of conformity and surveillance?
Ans: The imagery of being held like a specimen under a harsh light reflects the story’s theme of surveillance as a method of enforcing conformity. By portraying Mr. Mead as immobilized, the author critiques a society that monitors and controls its citizens to the extent that personal freedoms are stifled.
5. What does the phrase “needle thrust through chest” imply about Mr. Mead’s situation?
Ans: This phrase implies that Mr. Mead feels painfully exposed and vulnerable, as if his very essence is being attacked for daring to be different. The “needle” symbolizes society’s harsh response to individuality, making Mr. Mead’s experience one of discomfort and oppression.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 6
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“‘What are you doing out?’ The voice said. ‘Walking,’ said Leonard Mead.”
1. What is significant about the voice’s question to Mr. Mead?
Ans: The question “What are you doing out?” highlights how unusual and suspicious walking has become in this society. This interaction underscores the rigid expectations of conformity, where any deviation from staying indoors is questioned, emphasizing how freedom of movement is no longer a given.
2. How does Mr. Mead’s simple answer, “Walking,” emphasize his individuality?
Ans: Mr. Mead’s simple answer reflects his unapologetic embrace of his freedom, emphasizing that he sees nothing wrong with walking, a natural human activity. His response shows his quiet defiance and his commitment to retaining his individuality in a conformist society.
3. What does the interaction between Mr. Mead and the voice suggest about authority in this society?
Ans: This interaction suggests an authoritarian control over personal choices, where even an innocent act like walking is subject to interrogation. It reflects a society where authority is intrusive and controlling, discouraging individuality and pressuring citizens to conform to a strict norm.
4. Why might Mr. Mead’s response feel surprising or defiant to the voice questioning him?
Ans: The response feels defiant because it implies that he does not see his actions as strange or wrong, challenging the authority’s implied notion that walking is unusual. By asserting his right to walk, Mr. Mead subtly confronts the surveillance system’s control over personal freedom.
5. What broader societal critique does this interaction reflect in the story?
Ans: This interaction critiques the erosion of freedom in a society dominated by surveillance and conformity. It suggests that personal autonomy is being sacrificed in favor of total control, where individual choices are limited, and nonconformity is policed, ultimately stifling personal growth and expression.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 7
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“He hesitated, but went on when nothing more happened.”
1. Why does Mr. Mead hesitate, and what does this reveal about his feelings towards his surroundings?
Ans: Mr. Mead hesitates because he senses an eerie and watchful presence in his environment, a reminder of society’s surveillance. This hesitation shows his awareness of the risks of his nightly walks and his cautious approach, indicating a subtle fear of the unknown control his society exercises over its citizens.
2. What does Mr. Mead’s decision to continue walking indicate about his character?
Ans: His decision to continue walking shows his resilience and determination. Even though he’s aware of the potential danger, he values his freedom and individuality too much to stop. This decision reflects his quiet rebellion and dedication to living a life on his terms, regardless of societal norms.
3. How does this moment emphasize the story’s tension between individuality and control?
Ans: This hesitation and subsequent choice to move forward symbolizes the ongoing struggle between personal freedom and the societal control that limits it. Mr. Mead’s pause illustrates the tension he faces, but his decision to move forward reflects his inner resolve to maintain his individuality, defying the expectations imposed on him.
4. Why might Bradbury include moments of hesitation in Mr. Mead’s journey?
Ans: Bradbury includes these moments to emphasize the psychological impact of living in a controlled society. The hesitation represents the internal conflict individuals face when balancing personal desire with imposed restrictions, adding depth to Mr. Mead’s character and highlighting the oppressive environment he navigates.
5. What can we infer about the society from this small act of hesitation?
Ans: The society’s control is so pervasive that even a simple, natural act like walking can cause one to hesitate, fearing possible repercussions. This suggests a culture where freedom is constantly curtailed, and individuals are made to second-guess their actions, even those as innocent as a nighttime stroll.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 8
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“The car hesitated, or rather gave a faint whirring click, as if information, somewhere, was dropping card by punch-slotted card under electric eyes.”
1. What does the description of the car’s movements imply about technology in Mr. Mead’s society?
Ans: The description suggests that technology in Mr. Mead’s society is advanced but dehumanizing, with an almost bureaucratic and mechanical way of processing information. This mechanization implies that even the authorities lack a human touch, relying entirely on technology to monitor and control.
2. How does Bradbury use personification to create a sense of unease?
Ans: By describing the car as “hesitating” and giving it almost human-like actions, Bradbury creates a feeling of discomfort, as if the car is alive or capable of judgment. This personification evokes an eerie quality, making the technology seem menacing, as though it actively participates in controlling people.
3. What is the significance of the phrase “electric eyes” in this context?
Ans: “Electric eyes” symbolizes the omnipresent surveillance in Mr. Mead’s world. It suggests that individuals are constantly being watched by impersonal, unfeeling systems, emphasizing the cold, intrusive nature of technological control and how privacy has been stripped away.
4. What does the “punch-slotted card” metaphor imply about individual freedom?
Ans: This metaphor implies that individual actions are reduced to data points, categorized and controlled by rigid systems. Personal identity and freedom are minimized, as everyone is processed mechanically, highlighting the depersonalization of society under authoritarian surveillance.
5. How does the car’s response foreshadow Mr. Mead’s potential fate?
Ans: The car’s calculated response hints that Mr. Mead’s individuality will be met with a cold, programmed reaction from society. This foreshadows that his nonconformity may lead to consequences, as he is no longer seen as a person but rather as data to be handled.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 9
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“No profession, said the phonograph voice, hissing. ‘What are you doing out at this hour?’”
1. What does the phrase “No profession” reveal about the society’s values?
Ans: The phrase suggests that a person’s value is determined by their societal role or profession. Without one, Mr. Mead is seen as unimportant or even suspicious, indicating a society that prioritizes function and productivity over individual worth.
2. How does the use of a “phonograph voice” affect the tone of the interaction?
Ans: The phonograph voice’s mechanical and impersonal tone creates a cold, detached interaction, stripping the encounter of any humanity. This tone adds to the dystopian atmosphere, underscoring how society has replaced human engagement with automated, lifeless interactions.
3. What does the question, “What are you doing out at this hour?” imply about societal norms?
Ans: This question implies that nighttime activity, especially without a clear purpose, is deviant in this society. It reflects a culture where every action is expected to be structured and productive, with little tolerance for spontaneous or purposeless behavior.
4. Why is the voice’s use of interrogation significant?
Ans: The interrogation signifies the extent of social control, where even a harmless walk is seen as suspicious. It highlights the distrust society holds toward individuality and the assumption that deviation from the norm warrants examination.
5. What does this interaction reveal about Mr. Mead’s position in his society?
Ans: This interaction shows Mr. Mead as an outsider, someone who doesn’t fit society’s rigid mold. Without a profession and outside at an unusual hour, he embodies nonconformity, which makes him subject to questioning and ultimately rejection by his society.
The Pedestrian Questions Answers set 10
Read the following extract from the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury and answer the questions that follow:
“In ten years of walking by night or day, for thousands of miles, he had never met another person walking, not one in all that time.”
1. What does Mr. Mead’s solitude over “thousands of miles” suggest about the society’s lifestyle?
Ans: The fact that he’s never met another walker suggests a lifestyle where people avoid the outdoors and remain confined to their homes. This isolation reflects a society that values virtual entertainment over real-life interaction and movement, creating an atmosphere of detachment and uniformity.
2. How does Mr. Mead’s continued walking emphasize his resistance to societal norms?
Ans: Mr. Mead’s persistence in walking shows his resistance to the reclusive, technology-focused lifestyle of his society. He values the simple pleasure of walking, underscoring his commitment to preserving human experiences and staying connected to the world, unlike his peers.
3. What does Mr. Mead’s experience imply about community and connection in his world?
Ans: His solitary walks imply a severe lack of community and personal connection. The society has drifted away from real human interaction, creating a culture of isolation where individuals are alienated from one another, reliant on technology rather than each other.
4. What theme does Mr. Mead’s isolation highlight?
Ans: His isolation underscores the theme of loneliness and the loss of community. In a world driven by technology and conformity, individual needs and interpersonal relationships are neglected, highlighting the detrimental effects of an overly controlled, indoor-oriented society.
5 How does Mr. Mead’s solitary experience relate to the story’s overall message?
Ans: His experience serves as a cautionary illustration of a world that sacrifices human interaction for technological convenience. It critiques how society’s overreliance on technology has eroded personal connections and left individuals isolated, stressing the importance of preserving real-life interactions.
FAQs on The Pedestrian Questions Answers
1. What is the moral lesson of The Pedestrian?
Ans: The moral lesson is that technology can isolate individuals, reducing human interaction and diminishing the beauty of simple pleasures like walking and experiencing nature.
2. What is the conclusion of The Pedestrian?
Ans: The conclusion reflects a dystopian reality where society values technology over human connection. Leonard Mead’s arrest signifies the suppression of individuality in a conformist world.
3. What is the meaning behind pedestrian?
Ans: The term “pedestrian” refers to someone who walks. In the context of the story, it highlights the rarity of walking in a society dominated by technology and screens.
4. What is the theme of The Pedestrian technology?
Ans: The theme revolves around the negative impact of technology on society. It illustrates how advancements can lead to disconnection, loneliness, and a loss of appreciation for the natural world.
5. What is the irony in The Pedestrian?
Ans: The irony lies in Leonard Mead being arrested for walking when the world is obsessed with technology. While walking should be a natural, harmless activity, it has become deviant in his society.
6. What is the symbolism in The Pedestrian?
Ans: The empty streets and dark houses symbolize the loneliness and isolation of individuals in a technology-driven world. Leonard Mead’s walking represents freedom and individuality, contrasting with society’s conformity.
7. What is suggested about Mead by comparing him to a hawk?
Ans: Comparing Mead to a hawk suggests he is observant, free-spirited, and independent. It highlights his ability to see the world differently, unlike the conformist society around him.
8. What would be the routine of the person who is referred to as The Pedestrian?
Ans: The routine includes walking at night, reflecting on life, and experiencing the quietness of the city. Mead enjoys solitude and observing the world, contrasting with the sedentary lifestyle of others.
9. What does Mead think about the murmur of laughter?
Ans: Mead views the murmur of laughter from the houses with curiosity and longing. He questions what others find entertaining, highlighting his sense of alienation from the society around him.
10. What is the main message of The Pedestrian?
Ans: The main message emphasizes the dangers of technology overshadowing human connection. It warns against losing touch with nature and the simple joys of life in a rapidly advancing world.
11. What is the main conflict in The Pedestrian?
Ans: The main conflict is between Leonard Mead and the oppressive, conformist society that values technology over individual expression. His love for walking clashes with societal norms.
12. What is the climax of The Pedestrian?
Ans: The climax occurs when Mead encounters the police car. His arrest represents the culmination of societal rejection of individuality, illustrating the extreme consequences of his simple act of walking.
13. What literary genre is The Pedestrian?
Ans: “The Pedestrian” is a science fiction short story. It presents a dystopian future that critiques technology and explores themes of isolation, conformity, and the human spirit.
