The Veldt And Marionettes, Inc.

The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury is a novel composed of short stories, most of which that are cautionary tales for humanity concerning the future. “The Veldt” and “Marionettes, Inc.” both incorporate the dangers of mankind overusing technology. These stories both portray how the overdependence on technology can sever important relationships with those around you. “The Veldt” focuses on the Hadley family and how they have let the technology in their home destroy their household kinship. For instance, when Mr. and Mrs. Hadley are discussing the problems concerning their electronic based house, Mrs. Hadley begins to worry and confesses to her husband, “I feel like I don’t belong here. The house is wife and mother now, and nurse for the …show more content…
For instance, when Smith and Braling are first discussing the marionette, Braling insists, “After all, what my wife wants most of all is me. This marionette is me to the hairiest detail,”(Bradbury, 158). This quote is significant because it empathizes how with the use of technology, Braling is replacing himself in his family life. It also accentuates the fact that Braling is deceiving his wife using her love for him against him- thus creating an emotional detachment from his spouse. Later on in the story, Smith goes home to buy a marionette for himself, only to find not only 10,000 dollars missing, but his wife as well. Smith proves his suspicious when he puts his head to Nettie’s heart only to find it replaced by an ticking sound (Bradbury, 161). This section of the story shows that although Smith was about to purchase a marionette for himself, he still feels betrayed and alarmed when he finds that Nettie wished to get away from him as well. This choice is significant because it has the potential to cause colossal problems in their relationship as husband and wife. Subsequently, the use of technology in both Braling and Smith’s lives have harsh consequences on their relationships with their