Virtually True

Introduction

Virtually True is a science fiction by Paul Stewart and it discusses computers, video games, virtual reality, three-dimensional modelling, etc. All of these are woven into the story of Sebastian Shultz.

Paul Stewart, a children's book author who was born in London in 1955, is best known for three series that he wrote with the illustrator Chris Riddell.

Summary

This story is a science fiction and is about virtual reality. The narrator of the story purchased a computer and virtual reality accessories with several expensive games. The narrator learns of ‘Sebastian Shultz's miraculous recovery' while riding a train. Sebastian had been in a long-term coma. The narrator then recalls how he frequently played computer games and assisted in saving Sebastian

The narrator assumes that Sebastian's memory must have been transmitted to the computer when he may have unintentionally smashed his head against the screen. Thus in this instance, the computer recalled everything.

Conclusion

This story conveys a message about virtual reality, and as a result, no one can definitively identify what is genuine or what is virtually real.

Questions and Answers

Q. According to the newspaper, what had happened to Sebastian Shultz?

Ans. Sebastian suffered severe injuries in a car accident and fell into a coma. He had been in a coma for a very long time, and physicians had given up on him. Sebastian then emerged from his coma as if by a miracle.

Q. ‘Dad's nutty about computers.' What evidence is there to support this statement?

Ans. Dad of the narrator purchases a computer with the most recent setup available. Additionally, he purchases all the required accessories and virtual reality equipment. He thinks that a computer never makes a mistake. These details demonstrate how obsessed the father was with technology

Q. In what way did the second game seem very real?

Ans. The title of the second game was Dragon Quest. The story involved saving a princess from a dragon. With her extremely long hair, the princess has Rapunzel-like features. Everything in the game, from the princess' long hair to the dragon's fiery breath, has been well explained. It can be claimed that the second game has a highly realistic feel to it.

Q. What was Michael's theory about how Sebastian had entered the games?

Ans. Michael assumed that Sebastian must have accidentally touched the computer screen, causing all of the information from his brain to be stored in the computer's memory. Sebastian was now able to participate in the contest

Q. Read and answer the following questions

‘That was my idea' said Sebastian excitedly.' If only it would go a bit faster.’

a) Where was Sebastian when he spoke these words?

Ans. Sebastian was playing a game called Jailbreak at that time.

b) What was his idea, and what was he referring to?

Ans. Sebastian was talking about the speed of a helicopter when he said it. He thought a faster helicopter might be able to save him

c) Was the idea a good one, and did it eventually succeed?

Ans. It was a wise decision. Finally, Sebastian could be saved thanks to the helicopter.

Q. Why did the news of the ‘miracle recovery’ shock Michael?

Ans. Michael was startled to hear about the miraculous recovery because he had played a significant role in saving Sebastian from certain death.

Q. Michael’s meeting with Sebastian Shultz had been a chance meeting. Where had it taken place?

Ans. In the middle of a video game, Michael encountered Sebastian. This was a rather unusual location for the meeting of two actual people.

Q. What kind of computers fascinated Michael and his dad? Why?

Ans. The most recent computers that had all the necessary accessories attracted Michael and his father. They were eager to investigate the enormous potential that computers may provide.

Q. Name the first place where Michael was virtually transported. What did he see there?

Ans. Wildwest was the name of the game. He was in a typical Wild West bar. There were numerous cowboys to be seen inside the pub behind its swinging doors.

Q. What help did Sebastian Shultz ask Michael for? How did he convey this message?

Ans. Sebastian wished that Michael would come to his rescue and save him. He used the printer to send his message

Q. Why did Michael fail in rescuing Sebastian Shultz the first time?

Ans. When Michael was attempting to avoid the bullets in the first game, Sebastian got hit by something. Sebastian most likely took a bullet to the head and collapsed. Michael couldn't save Sebastian because of this.

Q. The second attempt to rescue Sebastian Shultz too was disastrous. Give reasons.

Ans. Michael played a game of Dragonquest during the second attempt. Sebastian was injured while they attempted to escape the dragon when he slipped into a ditch. Consequently, the second effort was also a failure.

FAQs

Q. How did Michael's theory work?

Ans. Michael's theory is that Sebastian must have played one of these psycho-drive games right before the accident, causing his memory to be stored on the computer. And Michael became involved in various initiatives to get that memory back.

Q. Why did the narrator value the video game Jailbreak?

Ans. It was significant because the narrator needed to play the game Shultz recommended to have any chance of success.

Q. Sebastian entered the helicopter someway, but how?

Ans. Sebastian was thrown from the jeep and into the helicopter's hatch by the power of the tank striking the jeep, where the narrator pulled him inside