Free Essays on Timeline

Timeline Is it possible to go back in time? If we could, who would we send? What time period would we go to? And would we try to change the past? Michael Crichton’s Timeline is a science fiction novel that propels the reader into a world where time travel is possible, and it’s not as great as it may seem. The use of characterization, detail, and suspense keeps the reader intrigued and wanting more. In the novel, Crichton uses a variety of characters to add realism to an otherwise unrealistic story. The characters range from Robert Doniger, whose â€Å"...harsh management style became famous† (24), to Chris Hughes, a graduate student in history. Another main character, Professor Edward Johnston, is described as, â€Å"...broad- shouldered and fit...†(48), and â€Å"...giving the impression of vigor and energy†(48). After Professor Johnston is lost in the 14th century, a crew of his assistants are sent back after him. When their way back home is temporarily disrupted, they must ban together to take on knights trying to kill them, Sir Oliver de Vannes, known as â€Å"...the Butcher of Crecy...†(169), and a defrocked monk, called â€Å"...the Archpriest...†(170). Besides his use of characterization, Crichton uses detail to make the story come alive. He sends the reader into a world where chivalry and indescribable violence reign supreme. You can visualize the great hall as it, â€Å"...sparkled like an enormous jewel. Sunlight streamed through high windows onto walls that gleamed with tapestries laced with gold, so that reflections danced on the red-and-gold-painted ceiling†(236). The killing of innocent people is common-place in this period of time, and Crichton describes it very well in the book: â€Å"...inside, they saw a woman, hacked to death, lying face down by the fire; and a young boy of six, staring at the sky, his innards sliced open†(362). Along with characterization and de... Free Essays on Timeline Free Essays on Timeline Timeline Is it possible to go back in time? If we could, who would we send? What time period would we go to? And would we try to change the past? Michael Crichton’s Timeline is a science fiction novel that propels the reader into a world where time travel is possible, and it’s not as great as it may seem. The use of characterization, detail, and suspense keeps the reader intrigued and wanting more. In the novel, Crichton uses a variety of characters to add realism to an otherwise unrealistic story. The characters range from Robert Doniger, whose â€Å"...harsh management style became famous† (24), to Chris Hughes, a graduate student in history. Another main character, Professor Edward Johnston, is described as, â€Å"...broad- shouldered and fit...†(48), and â€Å"...giving the impression of vigor and energy†(48). After Professor Johnston is lost in the 14th century, a crew of his assistants are sent back after him. When their way back home is temporarily disrupted, they must ban together to take on knights trying to kill them, Sir Oliver de Vannes, known as â€Å"...the Butcher of Crecy...†(169), and a defrocked monk, called â€Å"...the Archpriest...†(170). Besides his use of characterization, Crichton uses detail to make the story come alive. He sends the reader into a world where chivalry and indescribable violence reign supreme. You can visualize the great hall as it, â€Å"...sparkled like an enormous jewel. Sunlight streamed through high windows onto walls that gleamed with tapestries laced with gold, so that reflections danced on the red-and-gold-painted ceiling†(236). The killing of innocent people is common-place in this period of time, and Crichton describes it very well in the book: â€Å"...inside, they saw a woman, hacked to death, lying face down by the fire; and a young boy of six, staring at the sky, his innards sliced open†(362). Along with characterization and de...