“All Summer in a Day” – Ray Bradbury

Summary

All Summer in a Day is a powerful story about jealousy, cruelty, and regret. On a rainy Venus, children eagerly wait for a rare glimpse of the sun. Margot, who remembers sunlight from Earth, is bullied and locked away by the others just before the sun appears. While they enjoy the warmth and beauty, Margot misses the moment she longed for most. The children are filled with guilt when they let her out, knowing they’ve stolen something precious from her.

 

Character

- Margot – A quiet, sensitive girl from Earth who remembers the sun and longs to see it again.

- The other schoolchildren – Born on Venus, they don’t remember the sun and treat Margot unkindly.

- Teacher – The adult in charge of the students on Venus.

 

Plot element

Exposition - The story is set on Venus, where it constantly rains and the sun only comes out once every seven years. A group of schoolchildren, including Margot, wait for the sun to appear.

 

Rising action - Margot, who remembers the sun from Earth, is excited and hopeful. The other children are jealous of her and don’t believe her stories about the sun. They grow resentful of her quiet confidence.

 

Climax - Just before the sun comes out, the children lock Margot in a closet. While she is trapped, the sun finally shines, and the children run outside to enjoy it.

 

Resolution - After the sun disappears and the rain starts again, the children remember Margot and feel guilty. They silently unlock the closet and let her out, realizing what they’ve done.

 

Analysis & Feelings
This story made me feel sad for Margot. She was lonely and different, and the one thing she truly loved was taken from her. Ray Bradbury shows how easily people can be cruel out of jealousy and fear. It also made me think about how important it is to be kind and to appreciate special moments. The ending was powerful – not because of words, but because of the silence and regret the kids felt. It’s a short story, but it leaves a big impact.