A Sound of Thunder is a science fiction short story written by Ray Bradbury. First published in 1952, it explores the consequences of time travel and the butterfly effect. The story follows a group of hunters who travel back in time to hunt dinosaurs, but a small mistake during their expedition leads to catastrophic changes in the future.
Throughout the story, Bradbury presents thought-provoking ideas and memorable quotes that highlight the fragile nature of time and the potential consequences of human actions. These quotes remind us of the importance of being mindful of our choices and the impact they can have on the world.
In this article, we have compiled a list of quotes from A Sound of Thunder that capture the essence of the story and provoke reflection on the themes it explores.
Read these quotes from A Sound of Thunder
“If you disobey instructions, you create a paradox, which is like putting ten thousand tons of dynamite into the Grand Canyon, which will not merely destroy it, but obliterate the surrounding territory.”
“And if you think about it, gentlemen, you’ll admit that dinosaurs have been in the wrong place at the wrong time for far too long.”
“Not a little thing like that! Not a butterfly!”
“It fell to the floor, an exquisite thing, a small thing that could upset balances and knock down a line of small dominoes and then big dominoes and then gigantic dominoes, all down the years across Time.”
“Destroy this one man, and you destroy a race, a people, an entire history of life. It is comparable to slaying some of Adam’s grandchildren. 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. With the death of that one caveman, a billion others yet unborn are throttled in the womb.”
“The jungle was wide and full of twitterings, rustlings, murmurs, and sighs. Suddenly it all ceased, as if someone had shut a door.”
“The Monster’s mouth, a cave of white bone, laughed. If you disobey instructions, he said, stepping quietly into the jungle, there’s no telling what might happen, or where you might go.”
“There was a sound of thunder.”
“The jungle was alive again, full of the old tremors and cries. The Monster roared.”
“We were fools to come. This is impossible.”
“You tampered with the controls, fool, yelled Eckels. You’ll destroy us all! I’m warning you, Eckels, I might kill you yet. I’ve got my gun ready.”
“The rifles cracked again, their sound was lost in shriek and lizard thunder. The walls of the time chamber shimmered, stood abruptly still. The Monster was still.”
“Out of the mist, one hundred yards away, came Tyrannosaurus Rex.”
“There was a sound of thunder.”
“Eckels stood smelling of the air, and there was a thing to the air, a chemical taint so subtle, so slight, that only a faint cry of his subliminal senses warned him it was there.”
“It could have changed elections, tipped balances, an assassin.”
“Not a little thing like that! Not a butterfly!”
“He did not move. Eyes shut, he waited, shivering. He heard Travis breathe loud in the room; he heard Travis shift his rifle, click the safety catch, and raise the weapon.”
“There was a sound of thunder.”
“Who won the presidential election yesterday?”
“You joking?”
“You know damn well who got elected. My God, Deutscher, you must be -“
“It fell to the floor, an exquisite thing, a small thing that could upset balances and knock down a line of small dominoes and then big dominoes and then gigantic dominoes, all down the years across Time.”
“We were fools to come. This is impossible.”
“Eckels felt himself fall into a chair. He fumbled crazily at the thick slime on his boots. He held up a clod of dirt, trembling, “No, it can’t be. Not a little thing like that. No!””
“The jungle was wide and full of twitterings, rustlings, murmurs, and sighs. Suddenly it all ceased, as if someone had shut a door.”
“Out of the mist, one hundred yards away, came Tyrannosaurus Rex.”
These quotes from A Sound of Thunder provide a glimpse into the powerful storytelling and philosophical ideas that Ray Bradbury masterfully weaves into his work. They serve as a reminder of the delicate balance of time and the potential consequences that can arise from even the smallest actions.
