Question

3. Which version of The War of the Worlds, the novel by H. G. Wells or the radio dramatization by Orson Welles, is more realistic? Explain how the medium in which a story is presented affects whether audiences interpret the story as truth or fiction. Illustrate your answer using multiple pieces of evidence from the novel and the radio play. (30 points) Rubric: • Response includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. • Response takes a clear stance on the question posed in the prompt. • Response provides multiple, detailed examples from both texts that support the argument. • Response is organized, clear, and free of careless errors.​

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Introduction:

The realism of a story is subjectively influenced by the narrative approach, the medium of presentation, and the socio-cultural context. In comparing the realism of H. G. Wells' novel, "The War of the Worlds," and its radio dramatization by Orson Welles, one must consider not only the story details but also the public reception and response to each. While the novel engages its readers with intricate descriptions and personal narrations, the radio drama utilized the immediacy and believability of a “breaking news” format to impact listeners, causing widespread panic. In terms of perceived realism, Orson Welles' radio dramatization holds more weight due to its palpable influence on its contemporary audience.

Body:

H. G. Wells' novel, written in 1898, is a creative blend of science fiction and social critique about a Martian invasion. His realistic portrayal lies in his careful detailing of alien technology—"tripods" and the naturalistic responses of a society under panic. Wells' work is recognized for its ground-breaking scientific concepts like the "heat-ray" and the innovative use of "biological warfare" through Martians. However, the inherent characteristic of reading as a medium offers readers the luxury of skepticism or disbelief by distance. This distinction between fiction and reality is built upon the reader's imagination.

In contrast, Orson Welles' radio adaptation broadcasted in 1938 masqueraded reality through a different medium—a live news broadcast. Its real-time format, immersive sound effects, and authoritative voice-overs in radio broadcasts overcame the skepticism barrier. It simulated non-imaginary "facts" on the radio, a trusted source of real-world events during the period. The confusion between fiction and reality became evident as nationwide panic ensued among listeners, interpreting it as an actual news report about an alien invasion. The news-report style broadcast, the faux interviews, and the realistic sound effects gave a "documentary feel," thereby inducing more realism than the novel.

However, it’s crucial to note that the radio drama's perceived realism was also greatly influenced by the socio-cultural context. In 1938, amid the fears of global conflict and the rise of broadcast journalism, listeners were primed to accept the believability of the radio broadcast more readily.

Conclusion:

In concluding, while both versions present a realistic portrayal of an alien invasion, the perceived realism was higher in Orson Welles' radio dramatization. It illustrates the powerful role the medium plays in shaping audience perception. While reading encourages imaginative interpretation, radio, as a medium, allowed for an immersive, immediate experience, causing the widespread panic that marked the historical "Night of the Martians." The difference in perceived realism underlines the influence mediums have on an audience’s interpretation of a story as truth or fiction, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context in which a story is presented.