In "A sound of thunder," what does the change in the spelling of TIME SAFARI signify?
The change in the spelling of TIME SAFARI from "Time Safari, Inc." to "TIME SAFARI, INC." signifies that it is a corporate name that has become an institution or a dominant force. The use of capital letters emphasizes the power and significance of TIME SAFARI as a business entity in the story.
In the science fiction short story "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury, the change in the spelling of TIME SAFARI signifies a significant alteration in the timeline. When the protagonist, Eckels, first arrives at the company, the sign reads "TIME SAFARI, INC." with regular spelling. However, when he returns at the end of the story after inadvertently altering the past, the sign is now "TIME SAFARIS, INC."—with the word "Safaris" spelled differently.
The change in spelling is a visual representation of the butterfly effect, where a small action can have far-reaching consequences. By altering the spelling, it suggests that even the tiniest variation in the past can lead to a different present. In this case, Eckels's actions in the past have caused a significant shift in the timeline, resulting in a changed reality.
This change in spelling serves as a warning about the potential dangers of meddling with time and the need for caution when interacting with the past. It highlights the fragility of time and how seemingly insignificant alterations can unravel the fabric of history.