Bradbury’s story contains an unexpected ending, one of his favorite techniques since he has often stated that he enjoys writing stories that contain a little twist on reality. Ironically, rather than when Nick is drunk, it is when he is sober that he seems somewhat demonically possessed. When sober, he […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy The First Night of Lent””

In this society where beauty is nonexistent and where only hatred and destruction remain, the young boy Tom stands in a queue, waiting his turn to view “the smile,” the Mona Lisa. As each man passes by the portrait, he “appreciates” it by spitting upon it. However, when Tom’s turn […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy The Smile””

Bradbury transports his readers to a fictionalized world of Mars in this story. He employs sun, fire, and water imagery to describe the changes that occur on Mars. Fire imagery describes the changes that take place in the houses. The air “burns” them, warping the boards out of shape and […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy Dark They Were, and Golden-eyed””

Andrew is in love with Miss Fremwell, the lady in the next apartment. He visits her only after dark because he does not want her to see the hole in his brow. In preparing for this evening’s visit, however, he lacks the courage to wear his new toupee. The world […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy The Headpiece””

In addition to the idea presented here of the universality of the pioneering spirit, this story depicts a major tenet of Bradbury’s own philosophy concerning space travel. Jedediah’s statement that his flight may bring people closer to God is essentially Bradbury’s own belief, for Bradbury is convinced that the more […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy Icarus Montgolfier Wright””

Fire imagery indicating transformation and regeneration within people is dominant in this story. Here, fire imagery symbolizes our need for remembrances of times past. These memories are healthy for us, and, for William Finch, they provide regeneration for his weary spirit. Bradbury is a firm believer in nostalgia. He does […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy A Scent of Sarsaparilla””

The story exposes the hidden thoughts and fantasies that all people entertain at some time in their life, the dark thoughts of hatred and the secret desire to commit murder. Such thoughts are characteristically set against the darkness of night. Bradbury’s supreme optimism in humanity is evidenced when, in the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy The Town Where Nobody Got Off””

In a surprise ending, Antonio goes home to tell his wife that he has bought her a new bed and she gives him news that they are soon to have a child. A new bed will no longer be necessary. Now she finds favor with this bed. It serves from […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy The Marriage Mender””

The fire of this fever completely purges Charles of his good qualities. Now he has the evil power to burn other living creatures to death. He begins with a group of fire ants scurrying across the pavement. He touches them with his foot and knows that they lie cold and […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy Fever Dream””

Gomez, a friend of Martinez, decides that they will have a better chance of meeting some beautiful young women if they are dressed more attractively. In fact, he has already chosen the outfit even though it is far too expensive for any one of the men to purchase. Money, however, […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Medicine for Melancholy The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit””