In A Sound of Thunder.” Bradbury and Gloria Skurzynski’s story “Nethergrave Compare and contrast the ways these other worlds impacted the real world for the characters.
make sure to have the main idea clearly stated the response supports the main idea
there are at least 6 specific details citations that make clear reference to the text. There is a strong command of conventions. Punctuation, capitalization, and spelling are consisten correct
In both Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder" and Gloria Skurzynski's "Nethergrave," the characters find themselves in other worlds that have a significant impact on their real world lives. While the main idea of these stories revolves around the consequences of visiting these alternate realities, the specific details and citations from the texts highlight the distinct ways in which these other worlds affect the characters and their actions.
In "A Sound of Thunder," the protagonist Eckels travels back in time to hunt a Tyrannosaurus rex. However, he unintentionally steps off the designated path and alters the course of history. As a result, when he returns to the present, the world is completely transformed. The text states, "Not a tree, not a bird… nothing, nothing... Time stops… the jungle is closer than you think" (Bradbury). Here, the impact of Eckels' actions in the other world is evident, as his small deviation from the path has entirely changed the present reality.
Similarly, in "Nethergrave," the main character Jeremy finds solace in an online virtual reality world called the "Nethergrave." This virtual world serves as an escape from his real world struggles, including loneliness and isolation. The text describes Jeremy's longing for connection, stating, "in the Nethergrave, you can be anything you want, do anything you want" (Skurzynski). Here, the other world impacts Jeremy's real world by providing him with an outlet to fulfill his desires and escape his real-life problems.
Furthermore, in "A Sound of Thunder," the butterfly effect is highlighted as the characters learn that even the smallest actions in the other world can have significant consequences in the real world. Eckels inadvertently kills a butterfly in the past, and when he returns to the present, it is revealed that this small act has altered the course of human history. The text states, "Not a little thing like that! Not a butterfly!" (Bradbury). This citation emphasizes how a single action in the other world can ripple through time and greatly impact the characters' reality.
In contrast, in "Nethergrave," the impact of the other world is more internal and psychological for Jeremy. Spending excessive time in the virtual reality world begins to blur his sense of reality, causing him to question what is real and what is not. The text states, "There wasn't much in the Nethergrave, virtual though it was, that a boy could pretend was real" (Skurzynski). This citation demonstrates how the other world affects Jeremy's perception and understanding of reality, ultimately detaching him from his real-life experiences.
Another way these other worlds impact the characters' real world is through the concept of independence and personal growth. In "A Sound of Thunder," Eckels realizes the power of his actions and learns the importance of individual responsibility. The text states, "Every hunter that ever lived would envy you now. Your rifles… your bullets…" (Bradbury). Here, Eckels understands the impact he has made and the consequences he must face, leading to his growth as an individual and his newfound understanding of his role in the real world.
Likewise, in "Nethergrave," Jeremy experiences personal growth when he is faced with the choice of staying in the virtual world or returning to his real life. He learns the importance of human connection and living in the real world. The text states, "He was reaching out. Trying to touch something real, something important" (Skurzynski). This citation highlights Jeremy's realization that the other world, while enticing, cannot replace the significance and value of genuine human experiences in the real world.
In conclusion, both "A Sound of Thunder" and "Nethergrave" depict characters who are transported to other worlds that significantly impact their real world lives. In "A Sound of Thunder," the alteration of history and the concept of the butterfly effect demonstrate the far-reaching consequences of actions in the other world. On the other hand, in "Nethergrave," the impact of the virtual reality world is more internal, affecting Jeremy's perception of reality. Despite the differences, both stories showcase the transformative power of other worlds on the characters' understanding, growth, and actions in their real world.
What is your opinion of technology and its impact on our lives? Does technology improve or detract from our lives? Write an essay of at least two paragraphs. State your opinion and support it with at least three examples from the selections you have read in this unit.
In my opinion, technology has both improved and detracted from our lives. On one hand, it has revolutionized various aspects of our existence, making our lives more efficient, convenient, and interconnected. For instance, in Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," time travel technology opens up new possibilities for exploration and adventure. It allows people to witness historical events firsthand and discover different eras. This advancement expands our knowledge and understanding, enriching our lives in ways previously unimaginable. Similarly, in Gloria Skurzynski's "Nethergrave," the virtual reality world provides an escape for the protagonist Jeremy, offering him a sense of freedom, creativity, and companionship that he lacks in the real world. Technology, in this case, enhances Jeremy’s life by providing an outlet for self-expression and emotional connection.
On the other hand, technology can also have detrimental effects on our lives. In "A Sound of Thunder," the misuse of time travel disrupts the natural order of the world and wreaks havoc on the present. Eckels' slight deviation on his journey back in time creates a ripple effect that alters human history, leading to a grim and desolate future. This cautionary tale warns us about the dangers of recklessness and the potential consequences of tampering with technological advancements. Similarly, in "Nethergrave," Jeremy becomes so engrossed in the virtual reality world that his real-life relationships and experiences suffer. He isolates himself from his peers, neglects his studies, and loses touch with the tangible world around him. This story serves as a reminder that excessive reliance on technology can lead to detachment from reality and hinder our personal growth and social interaction.
In conclusion, my opinion on technology is that it both improves and detracts from our lives. While it has undoubtedly brought countless advancements and opportunities for growth, it also carries the risk of misusing or overindulging in its capabilities. It is crucial that as individuals, we strike a balance between embracing technology's benefits and recognizing its limitations. We must be mindful of how we integrate technological innovations into our lives and ensure that they serve as tools for enrichment rather than replacements for real experiences and human connections.
To compare and contrast the ways these other worlds impacted the real world for the characters in "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury and Gloria Skurzynski's story "Nethergrave," we need to first identify the main idea and gather specific details from the texts to support it.
In "A Sound of Thunder," the characters travel back in time to a prehistoric era through a time machine. The main idea is that their actions in the past have drastic consequences for the present/future. Here are specific details that support this main idea:
1. Detail 1: "Eckels felt himself fall into a chair. He fumbled crazily at the thick slime on his boots" (Bradbury, 1952). This quote signifies the immediate impact of their time travel. They bring back mud from the prehistoric era, altering the present environment.
2. Detail 2: "Mining resources to replace those lost in the past, he stated, would mean the collapse of society" (Bradbury, 1952). This detail shows how the changing of the past affects the availability of resources, leading to societal collapse.
3. Detail 3: "Grotesque scars running in all directions. Big as a snail, with its shell swinging up out of sight" (Bradbury, 1952). This description highlights the physical changes in the present caused by their actions in the past.
In "Nethergrave," the characters enter a virtual reality game where they can escape their real-world problems. The main idea is that their obsession with the game affects their ability to function in the real world. Here are specific details that support this main idea:
1. Detail 1: "But any time I passed someone looking at me, they’d whip out their cell phones and snap my picture" (Skurzynski, 1994). This detail indicates the impact of the virtual world on the real world, as the protagonist's appearance is altered in-game.
2. Detail 2: "On weekends, I spent the days and nights at home, hardly realizing how often I logged on and off the net" (Skurzynski, 1994). This quote demonstrates the character's increasing addiction to the virtual world, leading to withdrawal from real-life activities.
3. Detail 3: "Why don’t you go play your game and leave us alone?" (Skurzynski, 1994). This statement from the protagonist's mother reveals how his obsession with the virtual world causes strain on personal relationships.
In conclusion, both "A Sound of Thunder" and "Nethergrave" present other worlds that have consequences for the real world. In "A Sound of Thunder," time travel alters the present/future, while in "Nethergrave," the virtual reality game affects the characters' ability to function in reality. The specific details mentioned above provide citation-based evidence for the impact of these other worlds on the characters.