In a world of conformity, individuals are the black sheep of the herd. Timothy is a reject within his Addams Family-like world where vampires and dark mythical creatures are the norm. In Ray Bradbury’s “The Homecoming”, individuals are isolated from society. Due to his unique nature, Timothy cannot engage in the Homecoming celebration on Allhallows Eve. He proves that the life of the individual is often forlorn. Regardless of his efforts to be extraordinary like the others, Timothy will forever remain an outsider.
Timothy is crushed knowing that he will be ignored on Allhallows Eve when relatives from across the world will be visiting. Due to his shortcomings, he is alone as his family entertains and enjoys the festivities. Timothy imagined “he was outside staring in” as his family waltzed to outlandish music (p. 8, Bradbury).
He feels he is literally out in the cold observing a society he wishes to be included in. As his relatives laugh and play, Timothy cries outside. “Mirror, Mirror was played” as Uncle Einar consoles Timothy after his embarrassing incident (Bradbury).
Almost every one of Timothy’s relatives is not concerned about his wellbeing after Cecy’s prank, choosing instead to play exclusive vampire games Timothy is disqualified for. The Vampires engage in activities Timothy cannot take part in. They bond over “songs Timothy could not know” making him feel isolated and different (Bradbury).
These activities pose as constant reminders of his condition, widening the gap between Timothy and everyone else. It is not simple feat to live the lonely existence of an individual excluded from society.
The Term Paper on Brave New World 23
Brave New World Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World in 1931. It is about a futuristic dystopia in which Huxley exposes the corruption and imperfection of the perfect world. It compares to the real world in that it bears similarities to real events in world history. Huxley tries to convey what might happen if the government could have total control over individuals lives. In Brave New World, Huxley ...
Cavalier family members treat Timothy differently because of his mortality and lack of supernatural abilities. His “family [skirts] him like a holy man’s crucifix” and laughs at his insecurities (p. 2-3, Bradbury).
This rude behavior is accepted because Timothy is not a vampire. Despite family ties, Timothy’s brothers and sisters belittle him because he is different. Leonard uses his powers to frighten Timothy when he is in the dark. Timothy’s siblings are cruel bullies who do not understand his pressures.
Spid is Timothy’s only true friend who is always by his side. He lightens the mood Timothy after Cecy’s pranks, comforting Timothy in his time of need. The spider is Timothy’s teddy bear and lone companion because no one else accepts him. Timothy is an outsider within his family despite his efforts to fit in. He prays to be like his brothers and sisters and is instead bullied by them. Timothy wishes he could “make people fall in love with [him] like Laura … or read strange books as Sam does” so he could fell accepted (p. -5, Bradbury).
Timothy admires the vampires and only wants to belong. After putting in countless hours toward the Homecoming, he is pushed aside. Timothy’s family believes that “the less seen or said of the imperfect son the better” throughout the party (p. 3, Bradbury).
He is constantly reminded of his incompetence even after his hard work. Timothy begs Cecy to help him get noticed by the others. Timothy feels there is “nothing [he] can do” to make him belong and needs “something to make [him] [as] good as them” (p. 9, Bradbury).
At his last resort, Timothy is asking his least dismissive sibling to help him, which alternately makes him more embarrassed and excluded. People have a strong need to belong and fit in while still getting noticed. Timothy reflects these basic human desires in “The Homecoming”. Instead of striving for conformity, individuals should accept and appreciate their individuality. Uncle Einar says that Timothy’s mortal life is “worth more per ounce”, suggesting that he should live life to its fullest (p. 11, Bradbury).
Each moment is precious when your time is limited.
