Similarly, the short stories "The Pedestrian" and "The Murderer" share a common theme of societal isolation. In both stories, the main characters find themselves disconnected from the world around them, albeit for different reasons. In "The Pedestrian," the protagonist Mr. Mead is isolated because he is the only person walking the streets while everyone else is absorbed in their technological distractions. Likewise, in "The Murderer," the protagonist Mr. Prosser isolates himself intentionally by using a device to block out all sound and communication. Despite the differing circumstances, both stories highlight the alienation and loneliness experienced by their respective characters in a technology-driven society.