Reading Comprehension
Which sentences first suggest that Leonard is the only person living in this setting?
"he was alone in this world of A.D. 2053, or as good as alone "
What is the setting?
City neighborhood in 2053
Why were the pavements “vanishing under flowers and grass”?
Which sentences reveal that there are other people living in this setting?
"there were whisperings and murmurs where a window in a tomblike building was still open"
How does the mood shift between the 9th and 10th paragraphs?
Who or What is in charge of this future world?
Machines/Robots/Automatons
What are all the other inhabitants of the city doing?
Watching TV
Think about the imagery of the “moth” and the “specimen”. Why do you think the author chose these images to describe what is happening to Leonard?
To suggest that he is being experimented on; that he is helpless and as insignificant as an insect by the robots
What do you think caused the “basic situation” in the story?
An attempt to cut down crime; robot revolution; attachment to/distraction by TVs; etc.
Why did Leonard wear sneakers when he went out?
To avoid being heard
Most of the story is told from a limited third-person point of view. The narrator knows Leonard’s thoughts and feelings, but not other character’s. Why do you think the author didn’t use a completely omniscient narrator?
To show that we don't know what the robots are thinking; to demonstrate that the robots don't have thoughts; to build suspense by having us learn about the situation gradually
Which of today’s problems seem to have been eliminated from Leonard’s society?
What does “regressive” mean? What are Leonard’s “regressive tendencies”?
Backwards/out of date. Walking and being disinterested in TV/automation.
Do you think the author is too pessimistic about the future of technology?
Why is Leonard Mead’s house all lit up?
To show that he is different than the cold/dark houses; because he does not watch TV; as an act of rebellion