1. Unintended Consequences: The story explores the concept of unintended consequences resulting from time travel. When the protagonist, Eckels, steps off the designated path in the prehistoric era, he accidentally crushes a butterfly, creating a ripple effect that alters future events. This results in significant changes in society, the political landscape, and the very nature of the environment.
2. Violation of Time Travel Rules: Eckels and the other hunters are required to follow strict rules during their time-traveling expedition. These rules include staying on the designated path and avoiding any interactions with the environment. By deviating from these rules, Eckels sets in motion a chain of events that disrupts the integrity of the time continuum.
3. Ethical Dilemma: The story raises ethical questions about the responsibility and consequences of altering the past. The characters' decision to hunt dinosaurs for sport highlights the potential ethical issues that arise when individuals have the power to manipulate time. Their actions come at the expense of preserving the natural balance and the sanctity of history.
4. Paradox: The story presents a paradox involving time travel and causality. By stepping on a butterfly in the past, Eckels inadvertently changes the course of events, which leads to his hunting party being chased by the very creatures they came to hunt. This paradoxical situation reinforces the idea that altering the past can have unexpected and uncontrollable outcomes.
5. Loss of Identity and Purpose: The complications of the story culminate in Eckels losing his sense of identity and purpose. As the changes in the future become apparent, Eckels struggles to come to terms with the consequences of his actions. He no longer recognizes the world he belongs to, and his role within it becomes uncertain.
These complications collectively emphasize the complexities and risks associated with time travel and serve as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of altering the natural course of events.