Literature Notes The Martian Chronicles Written by Ray Bradbury in Essentially a collection of short stories unified by theme. The book is science fiction (fiction that deals with the influence of real or imagined science on society or individuals). The stories are arranged chronologically from January 1999 to October This was many years into the future for Bradbury who lived in a society that had not even visited the moon yet.

Ray Bradbury Born in Illinois in 1920 Graduated high school in 1938, had no more formal schooling. Favorite past-time was wandering around the library taking books off the shelves, reading them and writing stories. He lived in a world of fantasy. Bradbury was fascinated by Hollywood and later took part in making science fiction movies. His message is a warning about the consequences of misusing the new powers science and technology have created. He tries to prevent horrible futures, not predict them.

Bradbury’s Writing Style Frequent use of figurative language such as simile, metaphor, and personification. Uses detailed description and imagery. Incorporates original science fiction ideas and inventions.

Simile: a comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as” or another word of comparison. Example: The moon was like a flashlight in the sky lighting our way. Metaphor: a comparison between two unlike things that does not use a “like” or “as” Example: The sun is an orange, plump and juicy, bursting with the day ahead. Personification: giving human qualities to a nonhuman thing. Example: The trees stretched their arms above us cradling us safely from the storm. ©Created by Cathy Shope, EWMS 2007