The Veldt Theme of Technology

"The Veldt" presents technology as something that makes life easy—maybe too easy. In fact, technology makes life so easy that it's not even really living any more, according to George. Most of the technology in "The Veldt" seems to ruin the perfectly fine way of life that existed before. So the kids aren't reading anymore or even going out to play; instead, they're just playing with the newest cool gadget, the nursery. (Which is, believe it or not, cooler than the Wii or iPad.) But despite all the cool tech, it's clear that in "The Veldt," the more technology you have, the more dissatisfaction you have, because you start ignoring your family and start hanging out with felines.

1. Is there any positive technology in this story? Would the family be happy without any technology? If not, what technology would they miss?
2. How does Bradbury describe technology? Could you build a nursery from the description in this story? Or do you get a sense of what it means to use a nursery?
3. Is there something that makes the nursery special? Could you write the same story about, say, cars? (Which also became more popular in the 1950s.)
4. Are you less active because of your technology in real life? Be honest!

Technology in "The Veldt" ruins the humans' relationships with real life. Real life isn't supposed to be easy.

"The Veldt" isn't about technology. It's about how different generations deal with each other, and tech just provides a way to describe that interaction.