“A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury (Unit 4, Lesson 2)
“Nethergrave” by Gloria Skurzynski (Unit 4, Lesson 3)
In Unit 4 Lesson 10, you will use this outline to write a 1 ½ to 2-page essay.
This essay prompt requires you to compare and contrast the short stories "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury and "Nethergrave" by Gloria Skurzynski. Your essay should be 1 ½ to 2 pages long.
Before writing the essay, it is important to understand the key elements of each story.
In "A Sound of Thunder," the central concept revolves around time travel. A group of hunters pay to travel back in time to hunt dinosaurs. However, they are given strict instructions to not disrupt anything in the past, as it could have severe consequences for the future. When one of the hunters accidentally steps on a butterfly, the small action alters the course of history, resulting in significant changes when they return to the present. This story explores the butterfly effect and the potential dangers of altering the past.
In "Nethergrave," the focus is on virtual reality and online gaming. The main character, Jeremy, is a socially isolated teenager who spends most of his time playing an online game called "Nethergrave." He meets someone in the game who claims to be a girl his age named "TyeDyeTwilight." Jeremy becomes infatuated with this online persona and eventually discovers that TyeDyeTwilight is actually a boy named "Mud." The story highlights the dangers of living in a virtual world and the importance of real-life connections.
To begin your essay, you can start with an introduction that briefly introduces both stories and their central themes. You can mention that both stories deal with the consequences of actions in different ways, one related to time travel and the other related to virtual reality.
Next, you can compare and contrast the main characters of each story. Discuss how Eckels from "A Sound of Thunder" is a thrill-seeker who is willing to pay a high price for a unique experience. In contrast, Jeremy from "Nethergrave" is a lonely teenager who uses online gaming as an escape from reality. Compare their motivations, personalities, and the impact their choices have on the story.
After that, you can compare the settings of the stories. Discuss how the prehistoric jungle in "A Sound of Thunder" and the virtual world of "Nethergrave" both serve as unique environments that impact the characters' experiences. Analyze the dangers and consequences that occur in each setting.
Then, you can analyze the themes presented in each story. Discuss the idea of altering the past in "A Sound of Thunder" and how it highlights the risks of tampering with history. In "Nethergrave," discuss the theme of virtual reality and how it can be both alluring and dangerous. Analyze the lessons or messages that the authors are trying to convey through these themes.
Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing the similarities and differences between the two stories. Reflect on the lessons or ideas that the authors are trying to communicate and how they resonate with contemporary society.
Remember to use specific examples and quotes from the stories to support your arguments. Proofread your essay once you are finished, checking for grammar and spelling errors.
By following this outline, you should be able to write a well-structured and cohesive essay comparing and contrasting "A Sound of Thunder" and "Nethergrave". Good luck!