Dark They Were And Golden Eyed Full Story Pdf
Dark They Were And Golden Eyed is a science fiction short story written by Ray Bradbury. It was first published in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in 1949. The story is set on Mars and follows the experiences of a group of human colonists who have been stranded on the planet for a year.
The Plot
The colonists, the Bittering family, are struggling to adapt to their new home. Harry Bittering, the father, is particularly unhappy and misses Earth. He is also worried about the effects of the Martian environment on his family's health. His wife, Cora, is concerned about their children, Dan and Laura, who are becoming more and more Martian in appearance and behavior.
As time goes on, the colonists begin to notice strange changes in their surroundings. The hills and valleys are becoming smoother and more regular, and the plants and animals are becoming more Martian in nature. The Bitterings and the other colonists start to feel a sense of unease and fear, as they begin to realize that they are being transformed into Martians themselves.
Despite their fear, the colonists are unable to leave Mars. Their spaceship has been destroyed in a storm, and they have no means of communication with Earth. As the transformation continues, the Bitterings and the other colonists begin to accept their new Martian identities. Harry and Cora even change their names to Harral and Corall and begin to feel a sense of belonging on their new home planet.
The Themes
Dark They Were And Golden Eyed explores themes of identity, fear, and the human desire to belong. The colonists' transformation into Martians represents the fear of the unknown and the desire to find a place in a new environment. The story also touches on the idea that identity is not fixed, but is constantly changing and evolving.
The story also explores the idea of the impact of environment on identity. The Bitterings and the other colonists are transformed by the Martian environment, which changes their appearance and behavior. The story asks the question of how much our environment shapes who we are and what we become.
The Writing Style
Ray Bradbury's writing style is characterized by his use of poetic language and vivid imagery. He creates a sense of atmosphere and mood through his descriptions of the Martian landscape, which is both beautiful and eerie. His use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the story, and his exploration of the human psyche is both insightful and thought-provoking.
Bradbury's writing is also notable for its use of repetition and rhythm. He repeats key phrases throughout the story, such as "Dark they were and golden eyed," which adds a sense of unity and coherence to the narrative. His use of rhythm and pacing helps to build tension and suspense, and creates a sense of inevitability as the colonists' transformation into Martians progresses.
The Legacy
Dark They Were And Golden Eyed is considered a classic of science fiction literature, and is often anthologized in collections of Bradbury's work. The story has been adapted for radio and television, and has influenced a generation of science fiction writers.
Bradbury's exploration of identity and the impact of environment on human behavior continues to be relevant today. The story's themes of fear, transformation, and the human desire to belong resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
Dark They Were And Golden Eyed is a haunting and thought-provoking science fiction story that explores the human psyche and the impact of environment on identity. Ray Bradbury's poetic language and vivid imagery create a sense of atmosphere and mood that draws the reader into the story. The themes of fear, transformation, and the human desire to belong continue to resonate with readers today, making this classic science fiction story a must-read for fans of the genre.