Editor's Choice
What kind of people inhabit planet Venus in "All Summer in a Day"?
Quick answer:
In "All Summer in a Day," the inhabitants of Venus are primarily American families, likely middle-class, who have chosen to live on the rainy planet. They reside in underground tunnels and cities, motivated by adventure and the potential for financial gain despite the harsh climate. The children, attending a typical American-style classroom, display cruelty towards Margot, reflecting the tough personalities needed to endure Venus's conditions.
Bradbury does not go into great detail about the people who chose to travel to the rainy planet Venus, where they remain secluded in elaborate underground tunnels and cities. The reader knows that the rocket men and women are American, because Margot was born in Ohio. It is also implied that each family is relatively affluent, assuming that space travel is rather expensive. While Bradbury does not give a specific reason as to why the men and women chose to colonize the rainy planet, he provides some insight into their motivation by writing,
And this was the way life was forever on the planet Venus, and this was the schoolroom of the children of the rocket men and women who had come to a raining world to set up civilization and live out their lives (1).
This quote reveals that the American men and women are interested in building a...
Unlock
This Answer NowStart your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
civilization on the planet, which implies that they are adventurous, determined individuals. They are interested in conquest and exploration, which is why they decide to move their families to Venus. The children on the planet are depicted as cruel individuals, who bully Margot because she is different. Their aggressive demeanor and callous nature may reflect their family's strong, tough personalities, which allow them to inhabit such a treacherous planet.
Venus in this story is devoid of life, except for the humans who have come. From what we see in the story, the people coming to the planet are white, middle-class Americans from the United States. We know that Margot's family came to Venus from Ohio.
Presumably, the families are willing to put up with the endless rain and being so far away from earth in order to earn more money than they could in the US. We know that Margot's parents will make a financial sacrifice if they return to earth next year, losing "thousands of dollars."
The children appear to be a in a typical American-style classroom, where they sing songs and learn about the sun to prepare for its rare appearance. They seem to be ordinary children. They bully Margot for being different, and they enjoy playing in the sun when it comes out.