critical essay From childhood, the importance of school and hard work is taught frequently. People dedicate their lives to their work and career, sometimes leaving no room in their life for anything else, and they miss out on important life experiences. In Michael Crichton’s “Jurassic Park”, Crichton explores how maturity and experience can have a remarkable impact on a person’s values and identity. Doctor Alan Grant is a hard-working paleontologist who has no time for soul-searching or patience for a family, but after a life-altering experience at Jurassic Park, he realizes there may be more to life than digging fossils. Crichton develops the idea that people need to experience life and all its hardships and problems to develop their identity …show more content…
Currently, the only thought on his mind is creating history by finding and documenting his findings. When Hammond gives Grant the opportunity of sixty-thousand dollars to both Grant and Sattler, his only thought is how many more digs he would be able to fund. He is committed to his work and craft, and at first, is ecstatic about seeing dinosaurs live and up close. However, as the story progresses, Grant realizes that dinosaurs were extinct for a reason, and bringing them back alive was nearly defying the laws of nature. Dinosaurs were interesting creatures, but they could also be terrifyingly intelligent and vicious. At the end of the novel Grant questions the morals and motivations behind his career. He loved what he did, but did he love it because it brought him money or fame? Or was he doing it in hopes to achieve something greater? Maybe in the end he was so passionate about it because he got to spend his days drinking beer and spending time with Ellie. Dr. Grant now had a new experience that made him question his values and what he prioritizes in his …show more content…
As the story progresses and Alan continues to care for and protect the children, he realizes that there might be a sense of pride and love coming from it. Grant could’ve easily chosen the route of Ian Malcolm and left the kids to fend for themselves, but instead, he chooses to stick around even when he might’ve regretted it. Lex and Tim could be insufferable at times, Lex was rightfully terrified but was known for acting without thinking and putting them in harm's way. Tim was much smarter but was still only an eleven-year-old boy fighting for survival. Instead, Grant does everything in his power to ensure the children get off the island alive. Lex’s fear of dinosaurs substantially slows down their journey, instead of getting angry, Grant explains their behaviour to her, reminding her “They are just animals”. Being able to keep the kids focused and calm is not an easy task, and he had to put himself in harm's way multiple times. After they successfully escape the island, Ellie praises Grant and tells him, “You’re a fantastic paleontologist, but you’re an even better man”. Grant realizes how accomplished he felt after, and when they weren’t running for their lives, he might’ve even been enjoying his time with the