Choose two of the “other worlds” described in the unit. Compare and contrast the ways these other worlds impacted the real world for the characters.
Two of the "other worlds" described in the unit are the virtual reality world of the OASIS in Ready Player One and the magical world of Narnia in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. These other worlds impacted the real world for the characters in different ways:
1. OASIS (Ready Player One):
- Escapism: The OASIS provided a means of escaping the harsh reality of a dystopian future. It allowed people like Wade Watts to transcend their difficult lives and immerse themselves in an idealized virtual world.
- Economic Influence: The OASIS had a significant impact on the real world's economy. In this virtual world, players could earn real money through various means, including gaming tournaments and quest missions. The OASIS became a platform for social interaction, education, and commerce, driving real-world consequences and opportunities.
- Social Connection: The OASIS gave characters a chance to form meaningful relationships and friendships, irrespective of real-world barriers. This new social dynamic allowed individuals like Wade to find companionship, support, and a sense of belonging in a world where they may be marginalized or isolated.
2. Narnia (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe):
- Moral Lessons: The magical world of Narnia challenges the characters' beliefs, teaches them about courage, sacrifice, and the consequences of their actions. The experiences they have in Narnia shape their character development and impact their decisions in the real world.
- Metaphorical Reflection: Narnia serves as a metaphorical reflection of the real world. The characters' adventures in Narnia parallel their struggles and challenges in the real world. Narnia becomes a catalyst for personal growth, allowing the characters to gain new perspectives and insights into their own lives.
- Hope and Redemption: Narnia offers characters like Edmund Pevensie the opportunity for redemption, forgiveness, and transformation. Through their interactions with Narnia's inhabitants, they learn valuable life lessons and ultimately find hope in a world that seemed bleak and hopeless.
While both other worlds impact the characters in various ways, the OASIS in Ready Player One is primarily driven by personal gain, escapism, and its economic influence, whereas Narnia in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe focuses more on moral lessons, personal growth, and emotional redemption.