Timeline

2 Pages 390 Words

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 “...harsh management style became famous” (24), to
Chris Hughes, a graduate student in history. Another main
character, Professor Edward Johnston, is described as, “...broad-
shouldered and fit...”(48), and “...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 “...the
Butcher of Crecy...”(169), and a defrocked monk, called “...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, “...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: “...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...