World War II

Liberty is very important to me. It gives me the opportunity to make choices for myself. I am free to choose how I will live my life. I am responsible for my choices. I have the ability to be whatever I want to act. Liberty lets me be me. Liberty is the central theme in two stores. In the story “Liberty” by Julia Alvarez, a young girl is given a dog named Liberty. The government is after the family and they escape to the United States. In the story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury, Leonard lives in the future. People stay at home and watch television;they don’t leave their homes. Leonard goes for a walk in the evening and is arrested. In both stories the most important elements are used by the authors to teach us the importance of liberty.

In both stories the authors use objects to symbolize concepts. In the story”Liberty” the dog given to the girl symbolizes liberty. The story states, “We will call him Liberty.  Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ Papi quoted the U.S constitution.  ‘Eh, Liberty, you are a lucky sign!’” (186). This statement reveals how important liberty is to Papi. Liberty is what he wants most for his family. He is willing to do anything to attain liberty for his family, including going against his country’s government. The time comes for the family to go to the U.S. The dog, Liberty, must be left behind. The story states, “He will beat me to the United States is what I am thinking as I head back to the house. I will find Liberty there like Tia Mimi says.  But I already sense it is a different kind of liberty my aunt means. All I can do is hope that when we come back - as Mami has promised we will - my Liberty will be waiting for me here.” (190). The girl realizes that her pet “Liberty”, a symbol of liberty, must be left behind in order to gain freedom in the United States.  She understands that sacrifices must be made , no matter how hard, in order to gain true independence. In the story “The Pedestrian” Mr. Leonard Mead is the pedestrian mentioned. The pedestrian symbolizes freedom. The story states, “ They passed one house on one street a moment later, one house in an entire city of houses that were dark, but this one particular house had all of its electric lights brightly lit, every window a loud yellow illumination square and warm in the cool darkness. ‘That’s my house,’ said Leonard Mead.” (176).  Leonard’s home is the only one with lights on. Its is free from the flickering of a television . He is proud to own the only home that is lit up with bright lights-not the flare of dim, blue light from a television. Walking and thinking free him from mindless television viewing. Liberty or freedom means different things to different people    The one factor that is the same is the importance of having liberty. The ability to make decisions and choices is worth any amount of sacrifice.  It is a prize worth fighting for.

In these stories the authors address complex themes through symbolism. In these stories the protagonists learn not to take their freedom for granted. In the story “Liberty” the government men represent restrictions and repression. The United States symbolizes freedom  for all. Papi is anxious to move his family to the United states. He knows it will be hard for them. The story states, “‘ All liberty involves sacrifice,’ Papi said in a careful voice.” (186). Papi realizes that the only way for his family to be free is to move to America. It is so important to him for his family to live without restrictions and repression in their lives. They will leave behind all that is familiar and comfortable to them for liberty. In the story “The Pedestrian” Leonard’s walks symbolize liberty and rebellion. The police car without a driver represents authority and the government. Leonard Mead wants to free himself from the confines of his home and the television. Unlike everyone else in the city, Leonard takes a walk every evening.  No one else out at night.  Everyone else is at home watching television. There  are patrolling dog squads out and about as well as a robotic police car that makes sure all the citizens are inside their homes.  The story states, “ Mr. Leonard Mead would pause,cock his head, listen, look and march on, his feet making no noise on the lumpy walk. For long ago he had wisely changed to sneakers when strolling at night because the dogs in intermittent squads would parallel his journey with barkings if he wore hard heels, and lights might click on and faces appear and an entire street be startled by the passing of a lone figure, himself, in the early November evening.” (174). Leonard is the only person in the entire city that leaves his home at night to walk. He relishes the freedom of these walks where he can think whatever he wants and enjoy nature. He doesn't have any desire to stay at home and watch television. He risks his liberty by taking walks and going against the norm. These walks mean everything to him.