Review the following stories “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury and “Nethergrave” by Gloria Skurzynski
Use the outline below to compare and contrast the literary elements of the two stories.
Requirements:
Final Essay: 2 pages, double-spaced
Use direct quotes from the story to support your claims.
Cite your source using the author’s LAST name and the page number. (Ex.- Bradbury 3).
Analysis should explain how your quote supports your claim.
Analysis of your claim should be in your own words
Brainstorm
Which story did you enjoy more?
Identify the main characters in the stories:
Nethergrave and A Sound of Thunder
How do both stories apply to the genre of Science Fiction?
Reflect- Which literary element is used in both stories? Plot, setting, characterization, dialogue, point of view, tone, conflict
Identify the themes in the stories:
Nethergrave and A Sound of Thunder
Introductory Paragraph
Hook: Grab the reader’s attention with an interesting statement (in your own words) about the general topic of the story.
Your hook should NOT be in the form of a question. 1 sentence
Background: TAG the story (state the title, author, and genre- science fiction); give a brief background statement. 2-3 sentences.
Do NOT summarize the whole story.
Thesis Statement: This will include a thesis statement that says which of the stories you think is the best and WHY you feel this way
Structure: “Author’s last name’s story “Title of the story” is a stronger work of science fiction than “other story title” because it involves [proof of science fiction], has better [type of literary element], and its theme reveals [insert theme].
1-2 sentences
Body paragraph (claim evidence)
Body Paragraph 1- Genre of Science Fiction
Claim/ Topic Sentence on
Characterization: “Both stories have a genre of science fiction” 1-2 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a direct quote that shows science fiction for story 1.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the story has science fiction. 2-3 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a direct quote that shows science fiction for the story 2.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the story has science fiction. How is this similar different to the other story? 2-3 sentences
Body Paragraph 2- Literary Element
Claim/Topic Sentence on a literary element: Only use one element that applies to both stories
HINT: plot, setting, characterization, dialogue, point of view, tone1-2 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a direct quote that shows the literary element in story 1.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the type of literary element used in the story. 2-3 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows the literary element in story 1.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the type of literary element used in the story.
Which story do you think uses this element more effectively and WHY do you think this? 1-2 sentences
Body Paragraph 3- Theme
Claim/Topic Sentence on Theme: What is one possible theme of story 1?
HINT: The theme is the overall message of the story that the author wants to convey to the reader. 1-2 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a direct quote that shows the theme in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote shows the theme in the story. 2-3 sentences
Claim/Topic Sentence on Theme: What is one possible theme of story 1?
HINT: The theme is the overall message of the story that the author wants to convey to the reader. 1-2 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a direct quote that shows the theme in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote shows the theme in the story. 2-3 sentences
Which theme do you think is more effective and WHY? 1-2 sentences
Conclusion
Restate (reword) your thesis: This will include a thesis statement that says which of the stories you think is the best and WHY you feel this way. Do NOT copy and paste the same thesis that is in your introduction. 1-2 sentences
Final Thought: How does this theme connect or relate to our real-world lives in the present day?
Do NOT use first or second person pronouns like “I” or “you.” 2-3 sentences
Introduction:
In the genre of science fiction, two iconic short stories, "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury and "Nethergrave" by Gloria Skurzynski, explore various literary elements and themes. While both stories delve into the realm of science fiction, each exhibit unique qualities that make them captivating works. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the two stories, highlighting their respective strengths in terms of science fiction elements, literary elements, and themes.
Body Paragraph 1:
Both "A Sound of Thunder" and "Nethergrave" fall under the genre of science fiction. In "A Sound of Thunder," Bradbury intertwines time travel and the consequence of altering the past, showcasing the scientific element of the story (Bradbury 3). Similarly, in "Nethergrave," Skurzynski immerses readers in the virtual reality world, emphasizing the scientific aspect of creating an alternate reality (Skurzynski 4). The use of science fiction in both stories serves to captivate readers and explore various possibilities and consequences in a technologically advanced world.
Body Paragraph 2:
One common literary element found in both stories is characterization. Through the in-depth portrayal of their main characters, Bradbury and Skurzynski establish a connection between the readers and the protagonists. In "A Sound of Thunder," Bradbury presents Eckels as an adventurous hunter seeking an adrenaline rush (Bradbury 3). Similarly, in "Nethergrave," Skurzynski introduces Jeremy as an isolated teenager finding solace in an online virtual reality game (Skurzynski 6). Both authors utilize characterization to engage readers and develop a better understanding of the characters' motives and actions.
Body Paragraph 3:
Themes play a significant role in both "A Sound of Thunder" and "Nethergrave." In "A Sound of Thunder," the theme of the butterfly effect is prevalent, as one small action in the past can have drastic consequences for the future (Bradbury 7). On the other hand, "Nethergrave" revolves around the theme of escaping reality and becoming consumed by technology, highlighting the importance of human connection and the dangers of excessive virtual immersion (Skurzynski 9). Both themes offer valuable insights into the repercussions of our actions and the importance of being mindful in our choices, whether in reality or within virtual realms.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while both "A Sound of Thunder" and "Nethergrave" belong to the science fiction genre, they exhibit distinct strengths in their literary elements and themes. "A Sound of Thunder" effectively utilizes the science fiction element of time travel and presents a thought-provoking theme about the consequences of altering the past. However, "Nethergrave" shines through its exploration of the dangers of excessive virtual immersion and the need for human connection in a technologically advanced world. Ultimately, "Nethergrave" emerges as the stronger work of science fiction due to its compelling theme and timely relevance to our present-day reliance on technology. These stories serve as cautionary tales and reminders of the potential consequences of our actions in both reality and the virtual world.
could you give me a thesis statement about it too
Certainly! Here's a possible thesis statement for the essay:
"Although both 'A Sound of Thunder' by Ray Bradbury and 'Nethergrave' by Gloria Skurzynski exhibit elements of science fiction, 'Nethergrave' emerges as the stronger work due to its thought-provoking exploration of the dangers of excessive virtual immersion and the need for human connection in a technologically advanced world."
can you also give a background this is essay, like stating the title, author and genre? only needs to be 2 sentences
Certainly! Here's a possible background statement for the essay:
"In the realm of science fiction, Ray Bradbury's 'A Sound of Thunder' and Gloria Skurzynski's 'Nethergrave' captivate readers with their exploration of time travel and virtual reality, respectively. Both stories offer unique perspectives on the impact of technology on human lives, making them intriguing works within the science fiction genre."
can you give me a direct quote from story 1 (A sound of thunder) that shows the literary element
Certainly! Here's a direct quote from "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury that showcases the use of characterization as a literary element:
"Just give me a dinosaur—I didn’t care what kind. Tyrannosaurus Rex, Trachodon, or hadrosaur. One of those meat-eaters, maybe. But a big one. A real whopper!" (Bradbury 3)
This quote reveals the characterization element as it provides insight into the protagonist's adventurous and thrill-seeking nature. Eckels' desire for a thrilling experience with a large and dangerous dinosaur helps the reader understand his personality and motivations.
maybe a different quote that uses the use of characterization
Certainly! Here's an alternative quote from "A Sound of Thunder" that further demonstrates the use of characterization:
"Eckels flushed angrily. 'Who wouldn't?'" (Bradbury 3).
This quote reveals Eckels' impulsive and stubborn nature, showcasing his immediate emotional response of anger when faced with the suggestion that he wouldn't want to change the past. It provides insight into his character and sets the stage for the conflict and consequences that follow.