“Third Iteration” begins with another Ian Malcolm quote – “Details emerge more clearly as the fractal curve is redrawn.” Given Crichton’s tendency towards dry humor, is he mocking the arrogance of what would become a central character in the movie? Is this vapid statement hinting that while Ian Malcolm predicts the parks downfall, even he too is full of nonsense?

The characters begin to enter the park, they become aware of the lodge, and they start to discern differences between what they were told the park would be and what it is – mostly in that there are extra protective measures. Second Iteration ended with the team landing and beginning to move towards the heart of the park on the island – this first chapter has the reader experience the characters awe at what they’re observing and continue to move physically into the park.

It closes by saying that their tour will start in twenty minutes.

Best Writing, Quotes

“But if planting deadly ferns at poolside was any indication, then it was clear that the designers of Jurassic Park had not been as careful as they should have been.”

Page 100, Ellie notes that the plants – well known to mankind – planted by the pools could kill a child

Ellie observes a lethal plant that lines the edges of the pool – the plant is imaginary, it is on Wikipedia’s ‘List of Fictional Plants‘ along with Audrey II from ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ Crichton is making his point again – humans cannot possibly anticipate the dangers of their new technology if they can’t even understand the dangers of a plant.

Page by Page Highlights, Quotes

“Everywhere, extensive and elaborate planting emphasized the feeling that they were entering a new world, a prehistoric tropical world, and leaving the normal world behind.” – Page 97

Crichton is always drawing the reader in by telling the reader how the characters are being drawn in.

“It changes everything,” he [Grant] said. Page 97

“The warm-blooded controversy had raged for fifteen years, before a new perception of dinosaurs as quick-moving, active animals was accepted – but not without lasting animosities.” Page 98

“Everybody knows its coming, but not so soon.” Page 99

“These are authentic Jurassic ferns, of course.” Ed Regis, Page 99 – lists the scientific name, Serenna veriformans.

“But if planting deadly ferns at poolside was any indication, then it was clear that the designers of Jurassic Park had not been as careful as they should have been.” Page 100, Ellie notes that the plants – well known to mankind – planted by the pools could kill a child.

“He had seen the plans for the lodge, and he didn’t remember bars on the skylight. In fact, these bars appeared to be a rather crude addition.” – Page 101, Grant observes the additions

“It looks to me like they’ve turned this place into a fortress.” – Ellie, page 102