Read the stories “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury and “Nethergrave” by
Gloria Skurzynski very carefully, making sure you have a thorough understanding
of each. This may mean reading both stories more than once.
2. Reflect
Think of the literary elements in each story such as plot, setting, characterization,
dialogue, point of view, tone, and especially theme. Also, consider how both
stories fit into the genre (category) of science fiction.
3. Thesis Statement
Your essay will begin with an introduction. This will include a thesis statement
that says which of the stories you think is the best and WHY you feel this way. An
example of a thesis statement would be as follows:
“Ray Bradbury’s story “A Sound of Thunder” is a stronger work of science
fiction than Gloria Skurzynski’s “Nethergrave” because it involves time
travel, has better characterization, and its theme reveals how even the
smallest act can have an impact on the future of mankind.”
(This is an example of a thesis statement. Please do NOT use this in your
essay.)
Remember, your thesis statement should be clear and valid. This means your
thesis is easy to understand and that you will be able to prove it through the
explanations you provide in the body of your paper. Your introduction will also
briefly state the main points you will cover throughout your essay.
4. Body
The body of your paper should be divided into three paragraphs. Each
paragraph will fit in with the claims you made in your thesis statement. You will
use examples from both stories to provide support.
Paragraph 1 – Discuss how each of these stories fit into the genre of
science fiction. What elements or events in EACH story make it science
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fiction? This can include the story’s setting, types of technology used,
events from the plot of the story, etc. Make sure you mention elements
from BOTH stories as you will be comparing and contrasting.
Paragraph 2 – Next, choose ONE literary element (characterization,
point of view, tone, etc.) and explain how the authors use this literary
element in each story. Do not choose theme for this section as you will
use this in your third body paragraph. Which story do you think uses this
element more effectively and WHY do you think this? Only use ONE
literary element and apply this to both stories. For example, you would
talk about Tone in “A Sound of Thunder” and Tone in “Nethergrave.” You
are comparing and contrasting the two stories and will apply the same
literary element to each.
Paragraph 3 – In your last body paragraph, you will discuss the themes
found in each story. Remember, the theme is the message the author
wishes to convey. It is what he or she wants you to learn or to take away
from the story. What are the themes of “A Sound of Thunder” and
“Nethergrave?” Which theme do you think is more effective and WHY?
You will compare/contrast ONE theme from EACH story.
5. Conclusion
In the conclusion of your paper, you will restate your thesis from the
introduction. Restating the thesis means that you will say it in a different way. Do
not simply copy and paste the thesis statement from your introduction. You will
elaborate on your opinion as to which story you think is better and why you feel
this way. Also in your conclusion, you will briefly sum up the major points of your
paper, highlighting what you feel is most important.
Note: When writing Critical Response Essays, always use present tense, even if
the story is written in past tense. For example, in your essay you would say, “Eckles
steps off the path on his way back to the time capsule” rather than “Eckles stepped
off the path on his way back to the time capsule.” Use the present tense of verbs
when referring to the events in the stories.
© 2013 Connections Education LLC. A, And write like a fifth grader
In the stories “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury and “Nethergrave” by Gloria Skurzynski, both texts can be categorized into the genre of science fiction. In “A Sound of Thunder,” time travel is a prominent element of the story. The plot revolves around a company that offers people the opportunity to travel back in time to hunt dinosaurs. The setting of the story is in the future, where time travel has become a reality. Additionally, the story explores the concept of the butterfly effect, where a small action in the past can have catastrophic consequences in the future. On the other hand, “Nethergrave” focuses on virtual reality and gaming. The protagonist, Jeremy, escapes his lonely reality by immersing himself in a virtual world called “The Nether.” This element of technology in gaming sets the story in the science fiction genre. Though both stories have different elements that make them science fiction, “A Sound of Thunder” is the stronger work of science fiction due to its incorporation of time travel and exploration of the butterfly effect.
In terms of characterization, both stories present their characters differently. In “A Sound of Thunder,” the characters are explicitly described, and their actions and choices are significant to the development of the story. For example, Eckels, the main character, is portrayed as reckless and impulsive, which leads to the disastrous consequences in the future. This allows readers to understand the impact of his actions on the timeline. In contrast, “Nethergrave” focuses more on the internal thoughts and emotions of the protagonist, Jeremy. While the character development is present in both stories, the characterization in “A Sound of Thunder” is more effective in conveying the theme of the story by emphasizing the consequences of one's actions.
In terms of tone, both stories have different approaches. “A Sound of Thunder” has a more ominous and suspenseful tone, which builds tension as the characters navigate through their time travel journey. The tone highlights the seriousness of their actions and the potential dangers of altering the past. Additionally, the use of descriptive language in describing the dinosaurs adds to the overall tone of the story. On the other hand, “Nethergrave” has a more introspective and lighthearted tone, as Jeremy escapes his reality through the virtual world. The tone reflects the escapism and fantasy elements of the story. Though both stories effectively use tone to enhance the reader's experience, the tone in “A Sound of Thunder” is more impactful in creating a sense of urgency and danger.
In terms of theme, both stories explore different ideas. In “A Sound of Thunder,” the theme of the butterfly effect is prominent. The story emphasizes the idea that even the smallest action in the past can have significant consequences in the future. This theme is reinforced when Eckels accidentally steps on a butterfly during the hunting expedition, leading to drastic changes in the present timeline. On the other hand, “Nethergrave” explores the theme of loneliness and the search for connection. Jeremy's isolation in the real world drives him to find solace in the virtual world, where he can interact with others. While both themes are thought-provoking, the theme of the butterfly effect in “A Sound of Thunder” is more effective and impactful. It raises questions about the consequences of our actions and the fragility of time.
In conclusion, “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury is a stronger work of science fiction than “Nethergrave” by Gloria Skurzynski. The story incorporates time travel and explores the concept of the butterfly effect, which enhances its science fiction elements. Additionally, the characterization, tone, and theme in “A Sound of Thunder” are more effective in conveying the message of the story. Overall, “A Sound of Thunder” stands out as a superior work in the genre of science fiction.