Book Introduction
《I, Mars》 by Ray Bradbury is a collection of interconnected short stories exploring humanity’s colonization of Mars, blending poetic prose with dark satire. The narrative depicts Earth’s environmental collapse and war-driven migration to Mars, where humans encounter a dying Martian civilization. Through allegorical tales, it critiques colonial violence and human greed, revealing how Mars ultimately transforms its conquerors rather than the other way around.
Key themes include:
Technological hubris: Earth’s advanced weapons prove useless against Martian mysticism
Cultural annihilation: Human settlers destroy Martian cities while adopting their eerie customs
Existential irony: The “conquerors” become prisoners of Mars’ red dust and ancient magic
The book’s lyrical style (“I am the red planet whispering through the ruins”) contrasts with its grim warnings about Earth’s fate.
