A Sound Of Thunder Research Paper

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A Reckless Nature Destroys Nature If individuals are not more careful and aware of their effects on their surroundings, there will no longer be surroundings to enjoy. Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder" demonstrates this idea through the concept of time travel and the consequences that one must face in the future. The main character, Eckels, is given a unique opportunity to travel back to the Jurassic Age for a memorable hunting experience. This safari is made possible through Time Safari, Inc., the safari leader, Travis, and his assistant, Lesperance. Eckels, accompanied by two other hunters, Billings and Kramer, were seeking the thrill of killing a tyrannosaurus rex. However, with this trip came extreme risks of creating numerous problems …show more content…

took precautions to avoid numerous problems, Eckels made the grave mistake of breaking essential rules, bringing about a chaotic string of events (138-146). The central idea and theme of Ray Bradbury's "Sound of Thunder" illustrates humanity's reckless tendencies, which destroy nature and, ultimately, their own kind. The creators of Time Safari Inc., being aware of the risks and challenges time travel can create, invented ways to explore the past and offer adventures safely. However, their behavior can still be considered careless despite the many precautions taken. During their travels back to the Jurassic Age, Travis explains to Eckels the importance of obeying the set rules. Created by the Time Travel franchise, a path was made to avoid any destruction to the past. Mr. Travis explains the significance of said path when he states, "We don't belong here in the past." The government doesn't like us here. We have to pay a big fee to keep our franchise. A Time Machine is a finicky business. Not knowing it, we might kill an important animal.thus destroying an important link in a growing species" (140). The path was made to preserve and protect all living creatures from the …show more content…

After returning from an adventure to the past, Eckels discovers a tiny yet very significant butterfly crushed on the bottom of his shoe. As forewarned by his safari leader, Travis, Eckels knows this is no simple mistake. The death of this simple butterfly introduced many new changes to their present timeline. Whether this be the air they breathe, their language, or something as simple as the election outcome. Eckel finally meets the result of the mistake he cannot take back when he is met by Travis's gun, which ultimately brings about his death (145-146). Although Eckels paid his consequences shortly after his mistake, this no less represents the consequences humans will have to pay for reckless behavior. Much like Eckels could not escape the aftermath of his heedless decisions on his return to the future, humans will eventually face the results of their actions. Through this portrayal of the relationship between humankind and nature, Bradbury shows his readers the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. If individuals desire a bright future, it is essential to care for the

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