A Sound of Thunder

"A Sound of Thunder" is a classic example of the science fiction genre, with its futuristic setting in the year 2055 and use of the Time Machine, a piece of fictional technology. The short story uses the Time Machine to test the boundaries of human possibility and psychology, demonstrating the extent to which human beings can control technology. Ultimately, the story establishes that man is at the mercy of technology, since technology makes incredible feats like time travel possible, yet is not flexible enough to account for the risk of human error. In other words, Eckels stepping off the path instantly transforms the Time Machine from a marvelous tool into a weapon.