Summary and Analysis
Part III: Chapter 52
In a final attempt to conquer the Halloways before they can completely close down the Carnival's operations, the Illustrated Man employs diversionary tactics to separate father and son; he hopes that each of them will be more vulnerable if they are apart from one another. Jed, a young boy who is really the Illustrated Man in disguise, runs to Mr. Halloway for help, claiming that he is being chased by a wicked tattooed man. Mr. Halloway goes to Jed's aid while Will stays behind to administer artificial respiration to Jim. Before long, Mr. Halloway realizes he has been tricked. Now, however, he knows how to deal with the autumn people. Since "good to evil seems evil," Halloway simply holds the boy close to him in an embrace of love. Again, Bradbury's philosophy concerning good and evil is revealed, for the more goodness and love Mr. Halloway lavishes upon the illustrated boy, the more quickly the life force seeps from him. Finally, the lights in his eyes go out forever. Evil cannot survive in a vacuum of good.