Reasons: Analyse (propose reasons) why the antagonist behaves badly AND explain why people in real life might behave in a similar way. (20)

There are many bad actions in the story A Sound of Thunder by Ray Radbury as the characters are put in extremely distressing stations where there nerves, honor and morales are tested. One of the reasons Eckels might have acted rashly was probably due to the fact he wasn’t prepared for what was to come

creating fear. When people get scared they normally acted rashly hence Eckels also did. The others decided to be violent in return, meaning they did not think before they act. They most likely did this because they were angry at Eckels for putting their lives at risk. If everyone had chosen just to calm down, or perhaps

prepared themselves, as we need to in real life. For example in real life, it often seems the best thing to do when you’re angry is to just exact revenge on whatever or whomever has caused you such distress but when you calm down you often realise that, that is not the best thing to do.

BAD ACTIONS #ASOTMatrixTasks

1234 Main Street Anytown, State ZIP 7–10pm

Written by Rad Bradbury, A Sound of Thunder tells the story of Eckels, in a futuristic, dystopian world where time travel is everything but impossible. When Eckels enlists in a trip to the pre-historic dinosaur period not only him will change, but the world around him. Written in 1952, the time of technological advancement

the story not only tells a interesting story, but takes a daring take at the future of modern technology. I personally, would not want the ending of the piece to change. I as the reader love the repetition of the line ‘A Sound of Thunder’. It gives the piece a wonderful sense of a ‘tie off’ as it brings in something we have seen

before. The characters are interesting. They all have flaws, and it is interesting to see how they react in each situation. Perhaps an interesting possible extension to the story would be to explore the consequences of Eckels actions further.

STORY REVIEW #ASOTMatrixTasks

A Sound of ThunderMusic from Whiplash and The Theory of Everything

Arranged for Soundtrack by Maddison Lewis

Explanation of the Soundtrack

The following soundtrack contains music from two films: Whiplash and the Theory of Everything. They have both being edited to fit the mood of the story, and various thematic chapters of the story. The opening ‘Snare Liftoff’ is taken from the opening of the film, Whiplash in which the film starts off with a blank screen and the ‘Snare liftoff’ simply plays. As director of Whiplash, Damien Chazelle said, people often waste the openings of their films, whereas the ‘Snare liftoff’ grabs the attention of the viewer and of course, to people that have seen Whiplash, it has an important meaning to how the film ends. I wanted to replicate the effect, and use it to grab the attention of the viewer. If, ‘A Sound of Thunder’ was a film (Of which I believe it has actually been made into a short TV special) I would want it to open like this. Of course, I also use the ‘Snare Liftoff’ at the end as well which is to tie it off. The next piece I use is ‘Accident’ from Whiplash. I took inspiration from ‘Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance’ of which is a soundtrack is mainly based around a single drumming performance. The drumming in film makes the film feel improvised and tense which was I wanted to represent in the soundtrack. This part of the film represents them going into the world and trying to find the dinosaur. It’s very tense, and I wanted the piece to be a constant crescendo and it to reach its climax when you hear the thunder. The thunder represents the dinosaur being sighted. Then ‘Chalkboard’ from the very of everything coming in. I wanted this moment to be a magical explosion of sound. I think the song works very well in the soundtrack. It starts off with a lighter tempo, which I think I is a moment of beauty. They are all seeing this magical thing, and of course it’s terrifying but beautiful in a sense. Once the Cello’s come in, that is when the battle begins. It’s very quick, but it’s almost overwhelming. I also wanted to have a contrast between the drumming and the orchestra. You have the drumming which is quite simple in a sense, and then you have this overwhelming wash of colours and music from the orchestra. After this, I combine the ‘Accident’ track, and the chalkboard track and the thunder effects into one. I wanted this to be able to be imagined in different ways by the viewer. In a sense, it could be seen as a moment of chaos when Eckels realises he has set off a butterfly effect, or it could be seen as everything that has already happened being forced all into one moment. Something along the lines of ‘going back in time’ and then the soundtrack ends with the starting ‘Snare Liftoff’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ChvGTRqsbo

Theory 1:

ASTEROID IMPACT

An asteroid wiping out the dinosaurs is certainly the most well-known and plausible theory of how the great lizards became extinct. The idea is that a 10-kilometer asteroid impacted with the Earth’s surface, which in turn created a huge ash cloud that blocked out the sun’s rays. This caused a steady cooling of the planet which then led to the death of most life forms.

I agree with this theory as it portrays the most likely event. There are numerous pieces of evidence that support this theory including areas with increased amounts of the rare metal iridium, shards of “shocked quartz” and no sign of decrease in dinosaur numbers. The extinction of the dinosaurs has been proven to be a fast and near instantaneous decline. An asteroid impact reflects such swiftness and is a logical explanation to the present day lack of the magnificent creatures which once roamed the lands.

Theory 2:

SUPER VOLCANOES

For quite some time now there has been knowledge of “super volcanoes” residing abundantly on the surface of Earth. These volcanoes are connected in a chain underneath the ground and if one eruption occurs then it sets off a reaction that causes the eruption of all super volcanoes worldwide. The hypothesis is that these super volcanoes erupted which caused extreme heat, ash and debris to filter through and kill any organisms in its path.

I believe this theory is less likely, however it still contains a strong basis for possibility, often with evidence colliding with that of an asteroid impact. Again, iridium is found occasionally in molten rock from the Earth’s core, matching up to the random patches of iridium. Super volcanoes also account for the sudden decline of dinosaurs, as the effect they had would not have taken long to kill. This theory does not however explain the crater found in India, therefore I believe it is in correct.

Theory 3:

MAMMAL COMPETITION

The proposition that the dinosaurs died out due to competition with other animals is a lesser known theory. Some scientists have predicted that this was the cause for the disappearance of the dinosaurs, and that they simply ran out of resources to feed themselves. One flaw of this thesis is of course that at least some sort of dinosaur should have survived a time of endurance. Another fault is that this would suggest the gradual deaths that fossil records have proved did not happen.

I disagree with this theory, as it has many defects that make it highly unlikely. The idea that an entire well-spread clade of Dinosauria could be wiped out in the simplistic lack of food is frankly ludicrous. I therefore deem this theory irrelevant its plausibility.

Dinosaur Extinction Theory

Knowledgable

On of the first lines that we Travis say is describing the basic anatomy of a dinosaur, saying off the top of his head “Some dinosaurs have two brains, one in the head, another far down the spinal column” This reveals that he is at least intelligent in the information his job requires. He also has at least a basic recollection of past historical figures, as shown when he says "Moses has not gone to the mountains to talk with God. The Pyramids are still in the earth, waiting to be cut out and put up. Remember that. Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, Hitler-none of them exists.” Assuming that this isn’t just a required line to be said by the company at each visit, listing the world leaders at such short notice is a sign of great knowledge.

Disciplined

During the trip to the past Travis is extremely strict in following the rules, frankly petrified at the implications one change could make to the future. He constantly reminds the group “Stay on the Path. Don't go off it. I repeat. Don't go off.” The number of times he repeats it obviously conveys his discipline for both his own responsibility of making sure no mistakes were made and the discipline he expects from others. “Stay on the Path. Never step off!” “If you fall off, there's a penalty.”

Experienced

Travis’ experience is prominent, and the evidence for it appears throughout. We first gain the clue as to his experience in the role as a safari leader when “the man behind the desk” comments on that “Six Safari leaders were killed last year”, however, when Eckels is directed to Travis it is with respect. As the safari progresses he directs the group with precision, giving orders at the appropriate moments. He utters phrases such as ”Everyone on his feet!” and "Safety catches off, everyone!”, successfully instructing everyone until Eckels’ mistake.

Organised

Combined with the preparation of Lesterade, it is obvious that Travis is very organised prior to the trip. Upon seeing the Tyrannosaurus he calmly orders the hunters in a previously decided sequence "You, first shot, Eckels. Second, Billings, Third, Kramer.” He also comments on the Path that has been sent earlier, commenting that it was “Laid by Time Safari for your use.” Travis also grows angry when his organisation is foiled, growing angry and exclaiming "This fool nearly killed us.” This goes to the point where he is willing to kill the perpetrator.

AngryThere are many examples, even so if they are with reason, of Travis’ anger after Eckels leaves the Path. Some of these can include when “Travis jerked angrily.” or when he “glared at Eckels' checkbook and spat.” Travis’ anger goes as far as to threaten Eckels quite serious with the prospect of leaving him there. He even uses his firearm, almost forcing Eckel’s death upon him."Go out on that Path alone," said Travis. He had his rifle pointed, "You're not coming back in the Machine. We're leaving you here!” Of course, Travis’ final outburst is shown in the conclusion of the story, whereupon it is implied that, after learning of the changes in time, Travis finishes Eckels off. “He heard Travis shift his rifle, click the safety catch, and raise the weapon. There was a sound of thunder.”

Throughout A Sound of Thunder, Travis can easily be portrayed as the antagonist of the story (depending on one’s view). Despite is villainous role in the story, Travis actually possesses a great deal of characteristics.

Mind Map- Main Character: Travis

Who asks the official “Does this safari guarantee

I come back alive?”

Answer: ECKELS

Who was the safari guide?

Answer: TRAVIS

What is the name of the character who checked

which dinosaurs are allowed to be shot and the time?

Answer: LESPERANCE

Who became president after coming back from

the past?

Answer: DEUTSCHER

What character became violently negative towards

the end of the story?

Answer: TRAVIS

I Believe that this quiz accurately displays the ways that I learn with Linguistic and Logical learning neck and neck. It is also correct in that I dislike Bodily-Kinesthetic methods of learning. Rather than learn something by listen or serving

visually I find I memorise things with better recollection after reading them. My interpersonal skills were also listed as fairly high and I agree that I do like to take a leadership

role.

Sophie Self Learning assessment:

Maddison Lewis

Reflection

Reflection

By Sophie PalmerDale, Maddison Lewis and Katrina Young