in 9th grade work and writing Create the critical essay
1. Reading
Read the stories “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury and “Nethergrave” by
Gloria Skurzynski very carefully, making sure you have a thorough understanding
of each. This may mean reading both stories more than once.
2. Reflect
Think of the literary elements in each story such as plot, setting, characterization,
dialogue, point of view, tone, and especially theme. Also, consider how both
stories fit into the genre (category) of science fiction.
3. Thesis Statement
Your essay will begin with an introduction. This will include a thesis statement
that says which of the stories you think is the best and WHY you feel this way. An
example of a thesis statement would be as follows:
“Ray Bradbury’s story “A Sound of Thunder” is a stronger work of science
fiction than Gloria Skurzynski’s “Nethergrave” because it involves time
travel, has better characterization, and its theme reveals how even the
smallest act can have an impact on the future of mankind.”
(This is an example of a thesis statement. Please do NOT use this in your
essay.)
Remember, your thesis statement should be clear and valid. This means your
thesis is easy to understand and that you will be able to prove it through the
explanations you provide in the body of your paper. Your introduction will also
briefly state the main points you will cover throughout your essay.
4. Body
The body of your paper should be divided into three paragraphs. Each
paragraph will fit in with the claims you made in your thesis statement. You will
use examples from both stories to provide support.
Paragraph 1 – Discuss how each of these stories fit into the genre of
science fiction. What elements or events in EACH story make it science
fiction? This can include the story’s setting, types of technology used,
events from the plot of the story, etc. Make sure you mention elements
from BOTH stories as you will be comparing and contrasting.
Paragraph 2 – Next, choose ONE literary element (characterization,
point of view, tone, etc.) and explain how the authors use this literary
element in each story. Do not choose theme for this section as you will
use this in your third body paragraph. Which story do you think uses this
element more effectively and WHY do you think this? Only use ONE
literary element and apply this to both stories. For example, you would
talk about Tone in “A Sound of Thunder” and Tone in “Nethergrave.” You
are comparing and contrasting the two stories and will apply the same
literary element to each.
Paragraph 3 – In your last body paragraph, you will discuss the themes
found in each story. Remember, the theme is the message the author
wishes to convey. It is what he or she wants you to learn or to take away
from the story. What are the themes of “A Sound of Thunder” and
“Nethergrave?” Which theme do you think is more effective and WHY?
You will compare/contrast ONE theme from EACH story.
5. Conclusion
In the conclusion of your paper, you will restate your thesis from the
introduction. Restating the thesis means that you will say it in a different way. Do
not simply copy and paste the thesis statement from your introduction. You will
elaborate on your opinion as to which story you think is better and why you feel
this way. Also in your conclusion, you will briefly sum up the major points of your
paper, highlighting what you feel is most important.
Note: When writing Critical Response Essays, always use present tense, even if
the story is written in past tense. For example, in your essay you would say, “Eckles
steps off the path on his way back to the time capsule” rather than “Eckles stepped
off the path on his way back to the time capsule.” Use the present tense of verbs
when referring to the events in the stories.
"A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury and "Nethergrave" by Gloria Skurzynski are two compelling works of science fiction that explore themes of time travel, technology, and the consequences of our actions. In this critical essay, I will analyze the literary elements of each story, discuss how they fit into the science fiction genre, and ultimately determine which story is the stronger work of fiction.
In terms of genre, both "A Sound of Thunder" and "Nethergrave" incorporate elements of science fiction through their use of advanced technology, futuristic settings, and speculative concepts. In "A Sound of Thunder," time travel is a central theme as characters embark on a journey to the past in order to hunt dinosaurs. On the other hand, "Nethergrave" explores virtual reality and the possibilities of creating alternate worlds through technology. Both stories engage with the scientific imagination and challenge readers to consider the implications of these advancements.
When it comes to literary elements, characterization is a key aspect in both stories. In "A Sound of Thunder," characters such as Eckels and Travis are vividly portrayed, each representing different perspectives on the consequences of time travel. Similarly, in "Nethergrave," Jeremy and Brandon serve as proxies for the theme of escapism and the dangers of disconnecting from reality. While both stories effectively utilize characterization to drive their narratives, "A Sound of Thunder" stands out for its nuanced exploration of morality and the butterfly effect.
Lastly, the themes of each story provide valuable insights into human nature and the ways in which our choices shape the future. In "A Sound of Thunder," Bradbury explores the idea that even the smallest actions can have profound consequences, echoing the sentiment that our decisions have ripple effects beyond our immediate understanding. Conversely, "Nethergrave" delves into the theme of escapism and the allure of virtual worlds as a means of avoiding reality. While both stories offer valuable lessons, the thematic depth of "A Sound of Thunder" ultimately resonates more powerfully with readers.
In conclusion, "A Sound of Thunder" emerges as the stronger work of science fiction due to its compelling exploration of time travel, complex characterization, and thought-provoking themes. Bradbury's masterful storytelling and keen insights into human nature elevate the story beyond a mere tale of futuristic technology, making it a timeless and impactful piece of literature. As readers, we are reminded of the profound impact our choices can have on the course of history, urging us to consider the consequences of our actions in the present moment.