1. Plot Summary
1.1. There Will Come Soft Rains is a science fiction novel seemingly set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world with major technological advancements compared to modern day. The entire novel is in 3rd person and isn't told from anyone's perspective, instead from a view inside the house. No one is still living but the old dog, and he even dies at one point in the book. The house has incredible technologies and even without anyone living in the house to serve them to, the house carries on with it's pre-programmed functions. Some of the house's incredible properties include The end of the book concludes with the house not being able to fend off fire and it erupts in flames.
2. Quotes
2.1. "Within the wall, a last voice said, over and over again and again, even as the sun rose to shine upon the heaped rubble and steam: "Today is August 5, 2026, today is August 5, 2026, today is..."
2.1.1. This quote from the conclusion of the story has a theme of irony. The appliances were still running and would have continued to if not for the fire. They were self-sufficient so they ran with or without someone to attend to. Not only do the appliances not need humans to function, but they also "survived" whatever it was that killed the family and yet still continued to work exceedingly well under the circumstances. The upgraded household appliances are able to keep the house tidy and functioning as if there were people still living within the house. The irony comes from the timing of the voices. One of the very first voices said in the story is the date and time and throughout the story, the time is repeated at each event as the day goes on. It only makes sense that the last voice said from the house is stating the same message as the very first voice was.
3. Vocabulary
3.1. silhouette-dark shapes in front of something bright
3.2. paranoia-the feeling that others are tryng to hurt you
3.3. regiment- strict organization ex. military unit
3.4. incinerator- machine used to burn garbage/waste
3.5. capillaries-thin elongated forms ex. blood vessels
3.6. oblivious-not conscious/aware of something
3.7. sublime- very beautiful/good
3.8. psychopathic-relating to antisocial personality
4. Questions
4.1. What unusual qualities and appliances does the house have?
4.1.1. the appliances are all self-run and self-sufficient
4.2. What were the 5 spots of paint of?
4.2.1. they were the silhouettes of the 4 family members and a thrown ball
4.3. What happened to the people?
4.3.1. the story doesn't tell exactly, but you can infer that some sort of disaster concerning fire was involved in killing the family
4.4. What are some things the house has been protecting itself from?
4.4.1. the house protects itself from all types of dust/dirt and it tries to protect itself from fire damage
4.5. Why is the dog thin and covered in sores?
4.5.1. the dog has obviously not been eating properly and been burnt by whatever killed its owners
4.6. What happens to the dog's remains?
4.6.1. the dog's remains are disregarded as no more than the dust that "cleaning mice" sweep away
4.7. What can you infer the family does at 2:35?
4.7.1. the family plays cards and listens to music outside on their front porch
4.8. What did the children usually do at 4:30?
4.8.1. they relax in their room and watch the animated animals on the walls
4.9. What is the name of the family that lived in the house?
4.9.1. McClellan
4.10. What are some things the house does to try and save itself?
4.10.1. it tries to extinguish the fire
4.11. What was the last voice to die saying?
4.11.1. it dies out saying the date
4.12. What warning is Bradbury trying to deliver in his story?
4.12.1. it is impossible to be protected from everything, some things are inevitable