Abdul Rahman − Profile

The houses 'he' passes are described in stark contrast to his own house: 1. Lit up: The other houses have lights on, suggesting warmth and activity inside. 2. Cheerful: They appear inviting and lively, implying happy occupants. 3. Bright windows: The illuminated windows further emphasize the contrast with his dark house. 4. Occupied: Unlike his empty house, these homes have people in them, likely families enjoying each other's company. These descriptions create a sense of isolation and loneliness for the protagonist, highlighting the emptiness of his own home in comparison to the vibrant, populated houses he passes.

Leonard Mead encounters a lone police car during his walk. The car, which is the only police unit in a city of three million, stops him and questions his presence on the street. The car is described as unmanned, operated by a metallic voice. It interrogates Mead about his occupation and reason for being outside. When Mead explains he's just walking, the car finds this suspicious and ultimately decides to take him to the Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies.

Leonard Mead is indeed a non-conformist in "The Pedestrian." This is justified by several factors: 1. He walks alone at night when everyone else is inside watching television. 2. He doesn't own a television, which is highly unusual in his society. 3. His occupation as a writer is considered obsolete and suspicious. 4. He values physical activity and observation of the real world, contrary to the sedentary, screen-focused lifestyle of his neighbors. 5. His behavior is so out of the norm that the police car considers it grounds for psychiatric evaluation.

The extract suggests that the people in the houses are engaged in watching television. This is evident from Mead's rhetorical questions about what's on different TV channels. The houses are described as silent, with no signs of activity visible from the outside. The lack of people on the streets and the mention of TV channels indicate that the residents are likely indoors, focused on their television screens.

"He" refers to Leonard Mead, the protagonist of the story "The Pedestrian" by Ray Bradbury. He was headed out for his nightly walk through the city streets. The direction is not explicitly stated, but it's implied he's walking along residential streets. The weather that evening was described as cool and misty, with a light fog in the air.