Boyoung Jun World Lit Journal

The Student - Anton Chekhov(1894) rate: 6.5/10 [Crossing the Threshold]   Ivan, a student of the clerical academy, has hated the circumstances around him. It was dark and quiet in the forest, with a cold winter atmosphere. He even disliked going home, where his mother cleans the room and his father coughs beside the stove. Then, he approaches the garden owned by two widows, Vasilisa and Lukerya.   This is where Ivan starts to cross the threshold, leaving the ordinary world and taking a step into the adventure.   That night, Ivan tells the story about 'Peter', one of the twelve apostles. His story made Vasilisa cry and Lukerya to be in pain. The reactions of these two widows made Ivan realize the common emotions which link everyone, flowing one out of another. The story says that 'the inexpressible sweet expectation of happiness, of unknown mysterious happiness ... and life seemed to him enchanting, marvellous, and full of lofty meaning.'    Basically, his approach to th

A Sound of Thunder - Ray Bradbury (1952) rate: 7.0/10   The subject matter used in this story was quite new to me since traveling the past and killing T-Rex are not common in most stories. Also, it was interesting that no actual heroes appear in this story. The main character, Eckels, does not save anyone in trouble, contribute to society, or defeat enemies. Instead, he just ran off and even wandered around unsanctioned areas, posing a risk that might change the future. As a result, he got shot after returning to the present for his misbehavior. One thing I was inquisitive about this story was the message it wanted to convey. Without any heroes, accomplishments, regret, or realization, it did not seem to contain a hero's journey. However, after discussing the butterfly effect, one line came into my mind; 'The stomp of your foot, on one mouse, could start an earthquake, the effects of which could shake our earth and destinies down through Time, to their very foundations.' Th