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The literal meaning of Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Veldt” is revealed from the beginning when George and Lydia Hadley enter their children’s virtual reality nursery, where they find a replica of a veldt. The extremely realistic veldt is a manifestation of Peter and Wendy’s thoughts and desires. From a broad perspective, the veldt, a non-technological landscape where danger seems real, may indicate the children’s wish for a life that is less controlled by technology. Ironically, they can only achieve this by using the technology of the nursery.

The veldt is also symbolic of the children’s hatred and resentment towards their parents. By the end, the children see their parents only as a threat to the nursery and decide to kill George and Lydia. Therefore, the veldt also be...