A)
Note: Your teacher will grade your response to question 19 to ensure that you receive proper
credit for your answer.
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.
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English Essay Rubric
(16 points)
In the unit, two other worlds that are described are the dystopian society in Fahrenheit 451 and the virtual reality world of the OASIS in Ready Player One. Although both of these worlds have a significant impact on the real world for the characters, they do so in different ways.
In Fahrenheit 451, the dystopian society is characterized by censorship and the suppression of individual thought. The government controls all forms of media, and books are burned in order to maintain conformity and ignorance among the population. This oppressive world has a profound impact on the characters, particularly the protagonist Guy Montag. Initially, Montag is a loyal firefighter who burns books without question. However, as he begins to question the world around him, he realizes the importance of literature and individuality. The dystopian society serves as a catalyst for Montag's transformation and motivates him to rebel against the oppressive regime.
In contrast, the virtual reality world of the OASIS in Ready Player One provides an escape from a bleak and desolate real world. The OASIS is a vast online universe that offers endless possibilities and freedom. It is a place where people can create their own avatars and live out their fantasies. For the characters in the novel, especially the protagonist Wade Watts, the OASIS offers an opportunity to escape from the poverty and limitations of their real lives. It becomes a place of refuge and an avenue for self-expression and personal growth. However, the impact of the OASIS is also negative in some ways, as it leads to a withdrawal from reality and an unhealthy obsession with the virtual world.
Both the dystopian society in Fahrenheit 451 and the virtual reality world of the OASIS have a profound impact on the characters' perceptions of the real world. In the case of Fahrenheit 451, the oppressive society forces characters like Montag to question the status quo and seek change. On the other hand, the OASIS provides an escape for characters like Wade, who find solace and purpose in a virtual world. However, both other worlds ultimately lead the characters to confront the reality of their situations and make choices that have a lasting impact on their lives.
Overall, while the dystopian society in Fahrenheit 451 and the virtual reality world of the OASIS have contrasting characteristics, they both serve as catalysts for change in the real world for the characters. These other worlds challenge the characters' perspectives, inspire them to question the status quo, and ultimately influence their choices and actions in the real world.