Question

In the story, we are told that Mr. Mead is fixed by the light of the police car “like a museum specimen, needle thrust through chest.” Write a paragraph explaining how this phrase reflects the police car’s treatment of Mr. Mead in general. Consider how the police car embodies the values of that future society. Support your ideas with two details from the selection.

Answer 1

The metaphor of Mr. Mead as a "museum specimen" illustrates the oppressive control exercised by the police car and the society. It emphasizes the lack of freedom and individuality allowed in that future world. Details such as the silence of the streets and the automated police car's interaction with Mr. Mead reinforce these themes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The metaphor describing Mr. Mead being fixed by the light of the police car as a "museum specimen" reflects the dehumanizing and controlling nature of the police car and, by extension, the society it serves. This society values conformity and automation, which is evidenced by the fact that the streets are empty and the population's activities are seemingly regulated to the point of oppression. Mr. Mead's interaction with the automated police car showcases how individuals in this society are monitored and penalized for deviating from the norm, much like a specimen pinned for examination represents a lack of agency and freedom.

Two details that support this include the absence of human presence on the streets, highlighting the extent to which the society is regimented, and the police car's treatment of Mr. Mead, which is devoid of human interaction and reduces him to an object of scrutiny for simply walking at night.