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
The other worlds are:
“Nolan Bushnell”
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
“All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace”.
The two other worlds chosen for comparison are "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace."
In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the protagonist, Walter Mitty, escapes his mundane reality through vivid daydreams where he portrays various heroic and exciting roles. These daydreams serve as his other world, providing an escape from his monotonous life. The impact of Walter Mitty's other world is that it allows him to find brief moments of happiness and fulfillment, providing a sense of empowerment. These daydreams act as a coping mechanism for Walter Mitty, helping him navigate the challenges and boredom of his real world.
On the other hand, "All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace" presents a different kind of other world, where human beings live in a utopian society controlled by machines. This other world has a profound impact on the characters as it offers a vision of a harmonious and technologically advanced future. The impact of this other world is that it influences the characters to believe in the superiority of machines and their ability to bring order and balance to the world. This belief leads to an overreliance on technology, blurring the line between the real and virtual world, and resulting in the characters' disillusionment and eventual downfall.
In comparison, while both the other worlds in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace" offer escape and an alternative reality to the characters, they have contrasting impacts on the real world. Walter Mitty's other world provides him with moments of happiness and empowerment, enabling him to navigate his real world. In contrast, the other world in "All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace" creates a false sense of security and reliance on technology that leads to negative consequences for the characters.