The author describes the setting of Venus as a place of constant, unending rain. He writes, "It had been raining for seven years; thousands upon thousands of days compounded and filled from one end to the other with rain" (Bradbury). This quote emphasizes the oppressive nature of the continuous rainfall, helping readers understand why the sun is so significant to the characters and setting the mood for the story.
The children in the story learn about the sun through their classroom studies. Bradbury writes, "All day yesterday they had read in class about the sun. About how like a lemon it was, and how hot" (Bradbury). This quote is significant because it shows that the children have no direct experience with the sun and must rely on books to understand what it's like, emphasizing their isolation on the rainy planet Venus.
The story takes a dark turn when the other children violently exclude Margot from experiencing the sun. Bradbury describes this cruel act: "They surged about her, caught her up and bore her, protesting, and then pleading, and then crying, back into a tunnel, a room, a closet, where they slammed and locked the door" (Bradbury). This quote reveals the intense jealousy and cruelty of the other children, who can't bear the thought of Margot experiencing the sun when they can't remember it. It also creates tension and sympathy for Margot, setting up the story's climax and theme of isolation.