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In Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," why do the men refuse to take a photograph of their kill? How have their motivations changed from the beginning of the story?

A. They are afraid of the consequences of altering the past.
B. They are ashamed of their actions.
C. They are no longer interested in trophies.
D. They believe that taking a photograph would be disrespectful to the animal.

User Lynson
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In "A Sound of Thunder," the men are ashamed of their actions, leading them to refuse to take a photograph of their kill, showcasing a shift from their initial excitement for trophies to a deeper awareness of their actions' consequences. The Correct Option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," the men refuse to take a photograph of their kill because they are ashamed of their actions, which is signified by the correct answer, option B. Their motivations have dramatically shifted from the beginning of the story when they embarked on the hunt with excitement and anticipation of displaying the power over the ancient creature they aimed to kill. They were initially interested in trophies and the glory that comes with such a conquest. However, this changes after they realize the gravity of their trip through time and the consequences their actions might have on the past, as well as the future.

Their refusal to photograph the kill reflects a deeper understanding and respect for the power of their actions, which could not have been more different from their earlier bravado. They become aware that every action in the past can have vast and unforeseen repercussions, as seen through the altered present they return to at the end. Their understanding of the significance of the temporal ecosystem is also mirrored in other texts that explore the delicate balance between humans and animals, the respect due after taking a life, and the disconnection sometimes necessary during moments of intense experience as captured by photographers or artists.

User Theadore
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