Bradbury's Influence On Literature
Bradbury referenced Edgar Allen Poe and other authors to show a loss of literature and American tradition due to technological advancement. “Usher II” tells of a crazed man’s reconstruction of the House of Usher as he murders the government officials who ban books. This character embodies Bradbury, as he is both influenced by Poe and relishes literature, condemning its censorship. It sets an example that humans came looking to Mars for something new, but their selfish impulses to censor the past destroyed that possibility. When asked why Mr. Stendhal (the fanatic) was murdering them, he replied in a Bradbury manner:
‘Garrett,’ said Stendhal, ‘do you know why I’ve done this to you?’ ‘Because you burned Mr. Poe’s books without really reading
‘Garrett,’ said Stendhal, ‘do you know why I’ve done this to you?’ ‘Because you burned Mr. Poe’s books without really reading