“A Sound of Thunder” is a science fiction short story written by Ray Bradbury. The story revolves around the concept of time travel and the butterfly effect. The protagonist, Eckels, is a hunter who pays a lot of money to travel back in time to hunt a dinosaur. However, things don’t go according to plan, and Eckels finds himself in a situation that he never imagined. In this article, we will discuss what Eckels is like in “A Sound of Thunder.”
The Beginning of the Story
The story begins with Eckels and two other hunters, Travis and Lesperance, arriving at Time Safari Inc., a time travel company. Eckels is excited to go back in time and hunt a dinosaur, but he is also nervous about the experience. He is described as a man who is “almost sick with anxiety, but he did not want to look cowardly in front of the others.”
Eckels’ Behavior in the Past
When Eckels and the other hunters arrive in the past, they are warned by Travis not to touch anything or step off the path. However, Eckels’ curiosity gets the better of him, and he steps off the path to get a better look at a butterfly. This act changes the course of history, and Eckels’ behavior in the past causes a chain reaction of events that alters the present.
Eckels After Making a Mistake
After Eckels makes the mistake of stepping off the path, he becomes overwhelmed with guilt and fear. He realizes that his actions have caused irreparable damage to the future, and he is haunted by the thought of what he has done. Eckels’ behavior becomes erratic, and he is unable to control his emotions. He becomes a liability to the rest of the group and is eventually punished for his actions.
Eckels’ Punishment
Travis, the leader of the group, decides that Eckels must be punished for his actions. He orders Eckels to remove the bullets from the gun that he was supposed to use to hunt the dinosaur. Travis then raises his own gun and shoots Eckels, killing him instantly. This act is meant to serve as a warning to the other hunters and to prevent them from making the same mistake that Eckels did.
The Significance of Eckels’ Character
Eckels’ character is significant because he represents the dangers of time travel and the butterfly effect. His actions in the past cause a chain reaction of events that alter the course of history. Eckels’ character also represents the human desire for power and control. He is willing to pay a lot of money to travel back in time and hunt a dinosaur, even though he knows that it is dangerous and could have serious consequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eckels is a complex character in “A Sound of Thunder.” He represents the dangers of time travel and the butterfly effect, as well as the human desire for power and control. Eckels’ behavior in the past causes a chain reaction of events that alter the course of history and lead to his eventual punishment. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of tampering with the past and the importance of being mindful of our actions.
