Lesson Topic 3: "The Happiness Machine"

"The Happiness Machine," written by Ray Bradbury, is a story included in his 1957 novel Dandelion Wine. This tale of discovery follows a determined man's quest to produce happiness. He ends up finding sorrow until he realizes what real happiness is. The inventor wants to create a machine that will make people happy by allowing them to experience their heart's desire, but instead, it makes them sad because it shows them a glimpse of something they will never really have.

Before you begin reading, make a T-chart that will look something like this:

A T-chart: A cross that has one term on the left side at the top of the intersection of the cross, and another term on the right side. In this case, the left side is labeled "Realistic Aspects" and the right side is labeled "Imaginary Aspects."

While you read, write down all of the realistic aspects you come across in the story as well as all of the imaginary aspects. This activity will help you with your future assessments of this story.

Once you finish reading, see if you can answer the following questions:

Think back to the science fiction themes you learned about in a previous lesson. Can you connect one of those themes to this story?
See if you can identify all of the parts of the plot: What is the exposition? The rising action? Climax? Falling Action? Resolution?
What type of characterization does Bradbury use? Direct or indirect?

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