Write a critical response on nethergrave by gloria skurzynski
1. Write a rough draft
2. Reread your draft and make your edits
3. Proofread and edit your final version
4. Check for plagiarism, grammatical and punctuation errors
5. Write a Works Cited page or bibliography page (if required)
6. Determine the author’s main point (the thesis)
7. Determine your position on the topic
8. Highlight all important elements of the writing that you want to respond to
9. Include your own voice by weighing arguments, evaluating evidence, and raising critical questions
10. Be careful to do all parts of the assignment
Title: A Critical Response to "Nethergrave" by Gloria Skurzynski
In Gloria Skurzynski's short story "Nethergrave," the author explores the idea of escapism through the main character, Jeremy, who finds solace in a virtual reality game called "Nethergrave." While the story presents an interesting premise, it falls short in execution, leaving the reader wanting more depth and development.
Skurzynski's writing style in "Nethergrave" lacks consistency and fails to fully capture the emotions and motivations of the characters. The dialogue feels stilted and unrealistic, making it difficult for readers to connect with the narrative. Additionally, the pacing of the story is uneven, with the climax feeling rushed, leaving little room for resolution or reflection.
Furthermore, the conflict in the story revolves around Jeremy's choice between the real world and the artificial reality of the game. Although this could have been an intriguing exploration of escapism and the dangers of becoming too engrossed in virtual worlds, the resolution is disappointingly simplistic. Jeremy easily abandons the gaming world in favor of reality, without any real exploration of the consequences or complexities of his decision.
The lack of depth in "Nethergrave" also extends to the supporting characters. The bullying dynamic established between Jeremy and his classmates is underdeveloped and serves as a weak justification for his desire to escape to the virtual world. Additionally, the character of the game developer, Mr. Bellington, is one-dimensional and predictable, serving as a mere plot device rather than a fully fleshed-out character. These superficial portrayals prevent the story from delving into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of social interactions on one's desire for escape.
Despite these shortcomings, Skurzynski's underlying exploration of escapism is thought-provoking. The story touches on the allure of virtual realities and the dangers of becoming too detached from the real world. However, the author misses the opportunity to fully delve into the psychological motivations and consequences of such escapism, leaving readers with a shallow portrayal of the theme.
In conclusion, "Nethergrave" by Gloria Skurzynski offers an interesting concept but lacks the depth and development necessary to fully engage readers. The story's unrealized potential in exploring the dangers of escapism and its failure to fully delve into the emotional complexities of the characters diminish its overall impact. With a stronger focus on character development and narrative pacing, Skurzynski could have created a more compelling and thought-provoking exploration of virtual realities and escapism.