28 pages 56 minutes read

Ray Bradbury

Dark They Were, and Golden Eyed

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1949

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Essay Topics

1.

The story’s title refers to the physical changes that the Earthmen undergo while living on Mars. Why is it important that those changes be made visible in this way, and what is the significance of hair and skin color in conveying the story’s messages about change?

2.

By the end of the story, Harry appears to have happily adopted the Martian way of life. In what ways, if any, does the story suggest this change might not be a good thing? Was Harry’s earlier resistance warranted?

3.

In addition to writing short stories, Ray Bradbury was also a Hollywood screenwriter. What elements of the story’s form, style, imagery, or other features show similarities to film?