Write a double spaced 2 page essay in APA format that has an introduction, at least 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It should have a thesis statement and 3 topic sentences supporting that thesis. It needs a Works cited page as well as APA format in-text citations. The page should be a critical response essay including 'A Sound of Thunder' by Ray Bradbury and 'Nethergrave' by Gloria Skurzynski. The first body paragraph should discuss how the story fits into the genre of science fiction. In the second body paragraph choose one literary element and explain how the author uses it to create a good science fiction story. In the third body paragraph you need to discuss the theme found in the story.
A Critical Response to Ray Bradbury’s “A Sound of Thunder” and Gloria Skurzynski’s “Nethergrave”
Science fiction is a genre of literature that has captivated readers for centuries. Ray Bradbury’s “A Sound of Thunder” and Gloria Skurzynski’s “Nethergrave” are two examples of science fiction that explore the consequences of technology and the power of choice. Through the use of literary elements such as setting, characterization, and theme, Bradbury and Skurzynski create stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The setting of both stories is a key element in creating a science fiction atmosphere. In “A Sound of Thunder,” the story takes place in the future, where time travel has been invented. This allows the characters to travel back in time to hunt dinosaurs. In “Nethergrave,” the setting is a virtual reality world, where Jeremy can escape from his unhappy home life. Both settings are unique and imaginative, and they help to create a sense of wonder and exploration that is essential to the genre of science fiction.
Characterization is another important element in both stories. In “A Sound of Thunder,” the protagonist, Eckels, is a man who is obsessed with the past and is willing to take risks to experience it. His recklessness leads to the story’s climax, where he steps off the path and kills a butterfly, thus altering the future. In “Nethergrave,” Jeremy is a lonely and isolated boy who finds solace in the virtual world. His character arc is one of growth and self-discovery, as he learns to stand up for himself and take control of his own life. Both characters are complex and relatable, and their journeys are integral to the stories.
The theme of choice is a major element in both stories. In “A Sound of Thunder,” Eckels’s choice to step off the path has dire consequences, as it alters the future in unexpected ways. This serves as a warning to readers to think carefully before making decisions, as even the smallest choices can have far-reaching effects. In “Nethergrave,” Jeremy’s choice to stand up for himself and take control of his own life is a powerful message about the importance of self-determination. Both stories emphasize the power of choice and the importance of making wise decisions.
In conclusion, Ray Bradbury’s “A Sound of Thunder” and Gloria Skurzynski’s “Nethergrave” are two examples of science fiction that explore the consequences of technology and the power of choice. Through the use of setting, characterization, and theme, Bradbury and Skurzynski create stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. These stories serve as a reminder of the importance of making wise choices and the power of self-determination.
Works Cited
Bradbury, Ray. “A Sound of Thunder.” The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, edited by R.V. Cassill, 8th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2006, pp. 845-851.
Skurzynski, Gloria. “Nethergrave.” The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, edited by R.V. Cassill, 8th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2006, pp. 851-856.