Lesson 11: Summarizing Literary Text

Question

What is a summary? (Lesson pg. 1)

What does being objective mean? (Lesson pg. 3)

If you have not done so already, read the short story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury. You may also watch this video. Then complete the Summarizing Texts Graphic Organizer below.
Summarizing Texts Graphic Organizer
Somebody
Who is the main character?

Wanted
What did the character want?

But
What was the problem or conflict?

So
How did the character respond to the problem?

Then
What was the resolution? How did it end?

Combine your answers to the questions above to write a summary of the story in the box to the right.

give me two 5 sentence paragraphs for the summary

Answer 1

Summary of "The Pedestrian" by Ray Bradbury:

In Ray Bradbury's short story "The Pedestrian," the main character, Leonard Mead, is a solitary figure who enjoys taking long walks in a deserted, dystopian city where people are absorbed in their screens. Unlike others, who have succumbed to a life of technology and inactivity, Leonard yearns for the simple pleasure of experiencing the world around him. His walks serve as an escape from the robotic routines that dominate society, reflecting his desire for human connection and engagement with the outside world.

However, Leonard's love for walking becomes a point of conflict when he is confronted by a police car, representing an oppressive authority that disapproves of his behavior. The police view his solitary walks as suspicious and abnormal in a world where most people remain indoors, glued to their screens. In the end, Leonard is arrested for his behavior, and as he is taken away, the reader is left to ponder the consequences of a society that has sacrificed individuality and freedom for conformity and technology. The story serves as a poignant warning against the dangers of losing touch with reality and human interaction in favor of digital distractions.