Choose two of the "other worlds" described in the unit. Compare and contrast the ways these other worlds impacted the real world for the characters.
The sound of thunder
In "The Sound of Thunder," the other world is a safari hunting trip to the prehistoric past. The characters are able to go back in time and hunt dinosaurs. This other world has a significant impact on the real world for the characters. Firstly, the main character, Eckels, accidentally steps on a butterfly during the hunt, causing significant changes in the present timeline. This simple action alters the course of history, resulting in a different political landscape and the rise of a dictator. The other world experience has a direct and immediate impact on the real world by drastically changing it.
Alternatively, in "The Machine Stops," the other world is a futuristic society where people live in isolated cells and connect with each other through a technology-based network. This other world impacts the real world for the characters in a different way. The characters become entirely dependent on this technology and are isolated from real human connection. As a result, they lose touch with the natural world and become detached from reality. The other world experience in this case highlights the dangers of relying too heavily on technology and the potential negative consequences that can arise from this reliance.
In both stories, the other worlds have significant impacts on the real world for the characters. However, the impact differs in terms of immediacy and outcome. In "The Sound of Thunder," the impact is instant and dramatic, leading to a completely altered reality. In contrast, "The Machine Stops" portrays a more gradual impact, with the characters slowly losing touch with their humanity and becoming consumed by their artificial world. Both stories explore the potential consequences of meddling with other worlds, with "The Sound of Thunder" warning about the danger of altering the past, and "The Machine Stops" cautioning against becoming too reliant on technology.