BP5- Yamilet Vasquez

While reading “The Veldt” and “The Commuter,” Im able to see how alternate realities are central to the narrative but are approached in different ways. In “The Veldt,” the alternate reality is manifested within an advanced home where the children’s imaginations are dangerously unleashed through the nursery. The parents George and Lydia initially believe that providing such luxuries for their children is harmless but later realize the consequences of the children’s fantasies turn sinister. On the other hand, “The Commuter” explores an alternate reality through the discovery of the seemingly non existent town of Macon Heights. Paine’s search for this town leads him to confront the possibility of the existence of parallel realities and the unsettling implications it holds for his own life.

I believe that both stories highlight the theme of the consequences of unchecked desires and the dangers of tampering with reality. In “The Veldt,” the children’s refusal to accept any alteration to their idealized world leads to a tragic outcome for their parents. Similarly, in “The Commuter,” Paine’s discovery of Macon Heights raises questions about the stability of his reality and the potential repercussions of exploring alternate dimensions. The similarity lies in the characters’ struggle to reconcile their desires for control and stability with the unpredictable nature of reality.

In the end, I think that these stories encourage readers to reflect on the complexities of human desires and the limitations of control over one’s environment. The African Veldt that the kids created to show their parents that they weren’t raised by them but by machines shows how because of children being spoiled it creates a sinister reality for their parents in the nursery. In “The Commuter” Paine leaves the perfect town because he doesn’t want it to affect his reality with his girlfriends Laura. I believe that readings both suggest that attempting to manipulate or escape from reality can lead to unforeseen consequences and raise questions about the nature of existence and perception.