“The Veldt” is a short science fiction story by Ray Bradbury published in 1950. Concerned with rapid technological development and the spread of consumerism philosophy among Americans, the author sought to warn his readers about the possible negative impacts of these tendencies on individuals and society. The writer argues that although robotization of everyday tasks can make life easier, it also leads to the alienation of the human being from his nature. Additionally, it also leads to a decay of the family and degradation of parenting. Moreover, Bradbury asserts that material prosperity and increasing comfort will never bring happiness.
The negative impact of technology on society and specifically on each family is the first and major theme of the story. The author shows that for the family members, even the simplest everyday tasks become difficult to accomplish. “You mean you want to fry my eggs for me?… And darn my socks?… And sweep the house?” asks George when his wife offers to leave their house for some time (331). Similarly, Peter surprises, “Would I have to tie my own shoes instead of letting the shoe tier do it? And brush my own teeth and comb my hair and give myself a bath?” (335). However, if adults at some point understood what technologies took from them, the children cannot imagine their lives without the clever house and the “nursery” at all. It is dreadful to think about what would happen with Peter and Wendy if they are deprived of all the robotic appliances one day. In this regard, the choice of children’s names may also have a hidden meaning. Bradbury most probably sought to refer the readers to James M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up”, where two main heroes – Peter Pan and Wendy Darling – refuse to mature.
Moreover, Bradbury warns that technology can negatively affect the ability of parents to raise their kids. The author argues that feelings of love and care between family members exist not only due to blood relations but due to acts of mutual responsibility. Therefore, as George and Lydia transferred all the parenting functions to robots, their children do not have any warm feelings for their father and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Hadley are aware that they should be more strict with their kids but do not know how to realize that wisdom in practice. For instance, when parents fight with their children over closing the room, George says, “All right, go play in Africa” (335). That clearly indicates the father’s inability to act during such situations and prefers the technology to solve the problem.
Finally, the author argues that consumerism is not the way to achieve happiness. The name of the house where Hadleys live – Happylife Home – represents the family’s value system. Seeking maximum comfort through material things was their ultimate goal. However, when most of their demands were satisfied, George and Lydia started feeling alienated and nostalgic about simple things they used to do with their own hands. Therefore, the writer criticizes his countrymates for seeking happiness in gaining material wealth and seeking comfort. Rather, Bradbury wants to show that work is what determines the spiritual well-being of the person.
In summary, “The Veldt” presents Ray Bradbury’s concerns regarding technology development and its effect on human beings. The author warns that the former can negatively affect the lives of families, children’s development, and parenting. For example, Peter and Wendy are unlikely ever to become mature as they are unable to do simple things by themselves. Their upbringing is fully a responsibility of the robotic systems and the “nursery” room. On the other hand, when George and Lydia want to participate in their kids’ lives, the parents do not have sufficient skills to manage the latter. Additionally, Bradbury criticizes the American society and its values that were shaped during the 1950s and continue to exist in the 21st century. The writer maintains that pursue of material well-being and comfort is unable to make people happy.