Death is truly the final unknown for humans, and it is in this mystery that puts the price of life at such a great toll. By analyzing Bradbury’s closing paragraphs in “The Last Night of the World” we see the author’s ironic message on the realizations that come when facing death. This is important because it challenges the reader to question what is truly important in life, how important emotion is to sanity, and why it is essential to have responsibility. He initiates the inquiry by the quick laughter shared in bed. The author introduces emotion by expressing actual humor into the rather grim setting. Bradbury also retains his motive of having responsibility by allowing the characters to continue their business but with a clearer outlook at this point. Within the final four paragraphs Bradbury presents all of this to the reader as his final call to action.

Instead of varying his tone within the final paragraph Bradbury instead changes how the characters receive each other’s tone. “Something about this was so funny that she just had to laugh” (Bradbury). It is noteworthy that the first time a routine action has been called into question is in their final moment together. The final line of the essay and only dialogue after the wife turns off the sink is a simple “Goodnight” (Bradbury). It is no coincidence that the husband and wife seem to only face reality and grasp the irony that was themselves conducting everyday tasks on the last day of the world at the conclusion of the day. Bradbury is trying to convey that by becoming completely involved in routine it is easy to deny the fragility of life. The metaphor of this passage can be taken to a broader stance when compared to society as a whole. It is generally expected that one will complete school, find a job, start a family, and begin on their long journey. Bradbury condenses life into a day. He replaces societal expectations with house chores and he replaces often discussed elderly clarity with pre-end of the world hijinks. 

Bradbury not only hints at his metaphor with this quick exchange, he reveals its full capacity. He does this through completely non-verbal communication. “Their hands clasped, their heads together” (Bradbury). The lack of dialogue creates a space for emotion. Bradbury chooses humor as the device presumably because of its ability to make a seemingly tense situation ironically funny “Something about this was so very funny that he had to laugh” (Bradbury). This laughter is a key step in humanizing the husband and wife and giving credibility to their newfound outlook on their situation. The laughter is important because it shows they are aware of how ordinary their day was. Although insinuating a somewhat critical view of their day and perhaps lives, it also indicates they are fully aware of what they are facing and just how little they can do. Without bordering on a travesty Bradbury expresses that all humans have a personal end of the world and that, without emotion, the journey would be a lost cause. 

Despite his advice to not get lost in routine, Bradbury must believe in responsibility with limits. Not only is it actively represented through the day, but it is even presented as a necessity within this closing; “He heard her get out of bed and go into the kitchen” (Bradbury). While they finally realize the tasks have gotten them nowhere they also understand it was important to be doing something. Those tasks more importantly responsibilities kept them idle during the day. When tied together with the other metaphors in the closing paragraphs, Bradbury is pleading a sense of balance. While expressing that having tasks to do in order to drive emotion is important, he relies heavily on the belief that performing duties to the benefit of no one is as mundane as life can be. 

The final four paragraphs are his final argument toward the reader. Until this last act of humor, the reader might question the purpose of the passage. In fact, even the end of the world itself is not addressed in the final message. Bradbury makes it clear that no matter how you live your life whether it be comprised of intensive activities or some of the most boring tasks ever assembled there will be clarity. There is no escaping the inevitable end “Good night” (Bradbury). While the outcome is known to both readers and characters alike, there isn’t a sense of peace or panic given to the characters despite their knowledge of the end. This indicates Bradbury’s goal of displaying neutrality about the circumstances of anyone’s death. He too knows that the end is the true unknown and it is up to the individual to be brought to tranquility in their moments of transparency. 

In order to transition from big picture to a smaller frame Bradbury uses his final paragraphs to offer a more clear meaning to his essay. He uses his thoughts on life to articulately compare a day of knowing the world will end with an entire life knowing there is an end. Instead of being obvious of his metaphors he utilizes character’s emotions to portray the mood throughout the day. He uses simple tasks to support his view on everyday jobs and when they should and should not matter. Bradbury clearly makes the point that while having and conducting tasks responsibly is good, balance of all life is key to reflection. Lastly Bradbury paints the characters to not fully understand the irony of their day until the very end in order to compare it to the feeling of reminiscing. While he knows no life will be perfect he expresses that everyone at some point will have to come to grips and eventually understand their actions. These four paragraphs offered the final conclusion that allowed the reader to fully understand the large message that Bradbury offers. 
