Choose two of the "other worlds" described in the unit. Compare and contrast the ways these other worlds impacted the real world for the character
the two other worlds being "A Sound of Thunder" and the "Secret Life of Walter Mitty" short stories
In the short stories "A Sound of Thunder" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the characters experience other worlds that have profound impacts on their real lives. However, these impacts differ significantly due to the nature of these other worlds.
In "A Sound of Thunder," the protagonist, Eckels, travels to the prehistoric past on a guided safari. This other world of dinosaurs is dangerous and unpredictable. The impact on Eckels is immediate and disastrous when he accidentally steps off the path, causing a ripple effect that alters the future. Eckels returns to a transformed present, where language, governments, and even the outcome of the presidential election have changed. This alteration is devastating for Eckels, resulting in his eventual execution.
On the other hand, in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the other worlds experienced by the protagonist occur within his imagination. Walter Mitty envisions himself as a heroic character in various scenarios, such as a war pilot, a courageous surgeon, and a defendant in a courtroom trial. These other worlds serve as an escape from his mundane real life, where he feels powerless and unappreciated. While the impacts are different, Walter Mitty's other worlds provide him moments of respite and satisfaction, boosting his confidence and self-worth.
The impacts of other worlds in these stories highlight their contrasting natures. In "A Sound of Thunder," the other world is tangible and external, with dire consequences for tampering with the past. On the other hand, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" presents solely internal other worlds, serving as a tool for personal empowerment and escape.
Additionally, the other worlds in these stories offer different insights into the characters' real lives. In "A Sound of Thunder," Eckels learns the weight of his actions and the power of even the smallest choices. This experience provokes a sense of responsibility and the realization that one's actions can have far-reaching and uncontrollable consequences. In comparison, Walter Mitty's other worlds in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" reveal his desire for recognition, adventure, and control. They demonstrate his dissatisfaction with his everyday life and his longing for a more fulfilling existence.
Overall, while both "A Sound of Thunder" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" involve encounters with other worlds, the impacts on the characters' real lives differ significantly. Eckels faces severe repercussions for altering the past, highlighting the dangers of tampering with time, while Walter Mitty's other worlds provide him an escape and inspiration to reclaim his power and control.