Comparing and Contrasting Two Versions of The War of the Worlds
Question 16 • NY-English Language Arts 12 CR
Consider these versions of The War of the Worlds.Excerpt 1, from H. G. Wells's novel The War of the Worlds:"Henderson," he called, "you saw that shooting star last night?" "Well?" said Henderson. "It's out on Horsell Common now." "Good Lord!" said Henderson. "Fallen meteorite! That's good." "But it's something more than a meteorite. It's a cylinder—an artificial cylinder, man! And there’s something inside."Excerpt 2, from Howard E. Koch's script for Orson Welles's radio adaptation:WILMUTH: I seen a kinda greenish streak and then zingo! Somethin' smacked the ground. Knocked me clear out of my chair! PHILLIPS: Well, were you frightened, Mrs. Wilmuth? MRS. WILMUTH: Well, I—I ain't quite sure. I reckon I—I was kinda riled. PHILLIPS: Thank you, Mr. Wilmuth. Thank you.Which statement best describes the similarity between these versions?
Answer
A
Both versions cite expert testimony.
B
Both versions explain scientific terms.
C
Both versions share the impressions of local residents.
D
Both versions show friendships developing during the crisis.
Explanation
Both excerpts present people describing what they witnessed when something fell from the sky. In the novel, Henderson is told that a cylinder has landed on Horsell Common; in the radio script, the Wilmuths describe seeing a streak and hearing something hit the ground. These are impressions from local residents, not expert testimony or explanations of scientific terms.
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