The Long Rain, Ray Bradbury: Summary & Analysis

"The Long Rain" is a renowned science fiction short story written by American author Ray Bradbury (1920-2012). Despite Bradbury's self-identification as a "fantasy" writer, this particular story falls squarely within the science fiction genre. Originally published in 1950 under the title "Death-by-Rain" in the magazine Planet Stories, the narrative takes place in the hostile jungle environment of Venus, where four stranded astronauts struggle to reach safety within the protective confines of the "Sun Dome." Plot Summary The story opens with four Earthmen trudging through the Venusian jungle, enduring a relentless downpour. Their rocket has crashed, and they desperately aim to find shelter, sustenance, and warmth provided by the Sun Domes scattered across the planet. Amid a ferocious storm, one of the men succumbs to panic and is struck by lightning, resulting in his death. The remaining three survivors are identified as Pickard, Simmons,…