Check for word choice, writing in the literary present and from the third person (avoiding I-statements. Remember to include quotes and paraphrasing from the text with proper citations, formatting your document per MLA guidelines.
Nate Lawrence
English 9 A
2023-11-16
Mrs. Ruble
Critical Response Essay
I think A Sound of Thunder is better because the time travel component made for a much more interesting story and left me with a lot more to think about how your action will impact the future even if the action is small.
Both "Nethergrave" and "A Sound of Thunder" fall under the genre of science fiction because they explore speculative concepts and incorporate scientific elements to drive their respective plots. In "Nethergrave," the idea of entering a virtual world through an online game raises questions about reality and the consequences of living in a virtual environment. It also delves into advanced technology and artificial intelligence. "A Sound of Thunder" introduces time travel and its effects on the past, emphasizing cause and effect.
In both "Nethergrave" and "A Sound of Thunder," characterization is what we will be focusing on for analysis. In "Nethergrave," the author effectively develops the protagonist, Jeremy, as a socially isolated and introverted teenager who finds solace in the virtual world. the story delves into Jeremy's psychological state and disillusionment with reality, highlighting his loneliness. On the other hand, "A Sound of Thunder" focuses on depicting the protagonist, Eckels, as a thrill-seeker who underestimates the consequences of time travel. Through Eckels' dialogue and thoughts, the author reveals his arrogance and ignorance regarding the impact of his actions. Travis, the safari guide, serves as a contrast to Eckels, highlighting his recklessness.
The theme of consequences carries more weight in "A Sound of Thunder" because of its emphasis on personal accountability and the recognition that our actions have far-reaching effects. It prompts readers to think about the power of their choices and the potential consequences they may have on both themselves and the world around them. On the other hand, the theme of escaping reality in "Nethergrave" focuses more on the drawbacks of using technology as an escape rather than delving into the underlying causes of the protagonist's desire to do so. It lacks the depth and complexity that the theme of consequences in "A Sound of Thunder" possesses.
In conclusion, after careful analysis and consideration, I believe that "A Sound of Thunder" is the superior story. The inclusion of time travel as a component adds an intriguing element to the plot and prompts readers to think about the consequences of their actions. It raises thought-provoking questions about causality and the far-reaching effects of even the smallest actions. On the other hand, "Nethergrave" focuses primarily on the theme of escaping reality through technology but lacks the depth and complexity that "A Sound of Thunder" possesses.
In analyzing the two science fiction stories, "Nethergrave" and "A Sound of Thunder," it is evident that both explore speculative concepts and incorporate scientific elements to drive their respective plots. In "Nethergrave," the idea of entering a virtual world through an online game raises questions about the nature of reality and the potential consequences of living in a simulated environment. The story also delves into advanced technology and artificial intelligence. On the other hand, "A Sound of Thunder" introduces the concept of time travel and its profound effects on the past, emphasizing cause and effect (Author's Last name 1).
Regarding characterization, "Nethergrave" effectively develops its protagonist, Jeremy, as a socially isolated and introverted teenager who seeks refuge in the virtual world (Author's Last name 2). The story portrays Jeremy's psychological state and his disillusionment with reality, highlighting his profound loneliness. In contrast, "A Sound of Thunder" focuses on the protagonist, Eckels, as a thrill-seeker who underestimates the consequences of time travel. Through Eckels' dialogue and thoughts, the author reveals his arrogance and ignorance towards the impact of his actions. Travis, the safari guide, serves as a contrasting character, emphasizing Eckels' recklessness (Author's Last name 3).
The theme of consequences holds greater significance in "A Sound of Thunder" due to its emphasis on personal accountability and the recognition that our actions have far-reaching effects. It prompts readers to reflect on the power of their choices and the potential consequences they may have on themselves and the world around them. Conversely, the theme of escaping reality through technology in "Nethergrave" focuses more on the limitations of using technology as an escape rather than delving into the underlying causes of the protagonist's desire to do so. Thus, "Nethergrave" lacks the depth and complexity present in "A Sound of Thunder" (Author's Last name 4).
In conclusion, after a thorough analysis, "A Sound of Thunder" emerges as the superior story. The incorporation of time travel as a narrative component adds an intriguing layer to the plot and encourages readers to contemplate the ripple effects of their actions. It raises thought-provoking questions about causality and the profound impact even subtle actions can have on the future. Conversely, while "Nethergrave" diligently explores the theme of escaping reality through technology, it fails to reach the depth and complexity achieved by "A Sound of Thunder" (Author's Last name 5).