The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber and "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury both present the theme of escapism, though they do so in distinct ways. Both stories explore the concept of individuals seeking to break free from the mundane aspects of their lives by indulging in fantasies and adventures. However, while "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" portrays escapism as a means of evading reality, "A Sound of Thunder" warns against the consequences of attempting to escape from one's present circumstances.
In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," Walter Mitty, the protagonist, constantly escapes from the humdrum routine of his life through elaborate fantasies. Throughout the story, Mitty daydreams about being a heroic figure, displaying courage and intelligence. In his mind, he transforms into a military captain, a renowned surgeon, and an accomplished pilot. These fantasies serve as a means of distraction, allowing Mitty to temporarily avoid dealing with his timid and submissive personality. Thurber effectively captures Mitty’s dissatisfaction with his current existence, as well as his desire for excitement and adventure.
However, the story also suggests that Mitty's constant escape into fantasies is detrimental to his ability to function in reality. For instance, Mitty struggles with simple tasks, such as parking a car, as he becomes lost in his daydreams. This highlights the dangers of excessive escapism, as it can lead to a disconnect from one's present environment. Ultimately, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" critiques the idea of using escapism as a long-term solution to personal dissatisfaction, emphasizing the importance of engaging with reality and confronting one's problems directly.
Contrastingly, "A Sound of Thunder" portrays the consequences of attempting to escape one's present circumstances. The story follows Eckels, who pays an exorbitant fee to travel back in time to hunt dinosaurs. However, the time travel agency strictly warns him to follow certain rules, including not disrupting the past. Eckels, disregarding the warnings, accidentally steps off the designated path and crushes a butterfly. When he returns to the present, he realizes that his minor act in the past has drastically altered the future.
Bradbury conveys a cautionary message about the dangers of attempting to escape from present realities. Eckels' desire to experience something extraordinary and out of the ordinary leads to a catastrophic change in the course of history. The story highlights the unpredictability of the consequences that can stem from trying to escape one's current situation or seeking excitement without considering the potential repercussions. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating and preserving the delicate balance of the present, cautioning against reckless actions that may have far-reaching and unintended consequences.
In conclusion, both "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "A Sound of Thunder" explore the theme of escapism. While "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" cautions against using escapism as a long-term solution to personal dissatisfaction, "A Sound of Thunder" warns about the dangers of attempting to escape from one's present circumstances without considering the consequences. These stories serve as reminders that it is crucial to find a balance between engaging with reality and fulfilling one's desire for adventure.
Critical Response Essay on story's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and “A Sound of Thunder”
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