Choos two of the “other worlds described in the unit. Compare and contrast the ways these other worlds impacted the real world for the characters.
“A Sound Of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury.
"Nethergrave," by Gloria Skurzynski
In "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury and "Nethergrave" by Gloria Skurzynski, both stories depict characters entering and experiencing a different world from their own. However, the impact of these other worlds on the characters and the real world differs significantly.
In "A Sound of Thunder," characters travel back in time to hunt dinosaurs in an alternate reality. The protagonist, Eckels, is warned not to disturb or alter anything in the past, as the smallest change can have significant consequences in the present. However, Eckels steps off the designated path and inadvertently kills a butterfly, which ultimately leads to drastic changes in the present world. Upon returning, Eckels realizes that the impact of his actions has changed the outcome of the presidential election, resulting in an entirely different political landscape. The story showcases the butterfly effect, emphasizing how even the smallest actions can have far-reaching consequences, often with unintended negative effects.
On the other hand, in "Nethergrave," the main character, Jeremy, retreats into a virtual reality game to escape his lonely and isolated real life. The game, called "Nethergrave," transports Jeremy to a fantastical world where he feels a sense of belonging and importance. This virtual realm impacts Jeremy's real world by providing him with a temporary escape and a much-needed sense of purpose and connection. However, the negative aspect arises when Jeremy becomes obsessed with the game and loses touch with reality. He neglects his real-life responsibilities and relationships, causing his grades to plummet and his friendships to suffer.
While both stories involve other worlds impacting the real world, the nature of the impact differs significantly. In "A Sound of Thunder," the impact is unintentional and catastrophic, resulting in a complete alteration of the future. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of our actions and the importance of respecting the delicate balance of nature.
In contrast, "Nethergrave" portrays a more personal impact as the protagonist's immersion into the virtual world affects his emotional well-being and his ability to function in reality. The story explores the potential dangers of escaping into virtual realms to avoid real-life problems.
Overall, these stories highlight the potential implications of exploring other worlds and the importance of considering the consequences and boundaries of such experiences. While "A Sound of Thunder" warns of the significant consequences of altering the past, "Nethergrave" focuses on the dangers of becoming too engrossed in virtual realities and losing touch with real life.