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The Lottery – Shirley Jackson

The Lottery – Shirley Jackson. a. objective of every person in the village: not to win the lottery. “Winner” – human sacrifice by stoning b. hidden force – luck, chance c. no control over their fate: “luck of the draw”

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The Lottery – Shirley Jackson

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  1. The Lottery – Shirley Jackson • a. objective of every person in the village: not to win the lottery. “Winner” – human sacrifice by stoning b. hidden force – luck, chance c. no control over their fate: “luck of the draw” • a. horrifying – such a brutal and barbaric act within an otherwise civilized and modern community b. universal human quality – hypocrisy; our inhumanity to our fellow human beings; our unquestioning acceptance of tradition 3. Different from most stories in terms of plot: no definite protagonist until near the end. The entire village is the protagonist.

  2. a. The beginning (introduction- everything up to the motivating incident) – Par. 1 – 9 • gathering of the villagers • history of the lottery and the black box • Mrs. Hutchinson’s late arrival b. • opening of the lottery – par. 10 – “Well now, … guess we better get started,…” • second phase of the lottery – the Hutchinson draw par.47 – “Well, everyone… that was done pretty fast, …” • par.73 – “All right, folks,… Let’s finish quickly”

  3. Suspense • Who will be chosen? What is the “prize”? • Jackson doesn’t focus on one person; doesn’t give away the prize, what the lottery is about. She also prolongs the lottery draw (goes through the alphabet; conducts two lotteries, shows signs of tension among villagers). • By not characterizing one person in depth, she keeps us guessing, increases anxiety. p. 43- Irony of Tone Definition: When a writer takes one attitude (say a humorous one) towards his material and intends the reader to adopt the opposite attitude of seriousness. It sets up an incongruity between the tone he takes and the reaction he anticipates. 1. (a) Jackson’s tone: detached and critical? involved and compassionate? detached and dispassionate?***

  4. (b) What reaction does she anticipate? Amused and critical? Fascinated and shocked? Completely disbelieving? Ex. of Foreshadowing: • Gathering of the stones • Nervousness among the villagers • The apparent anxiety towards winning the lottery Symbols Old Man Warner – tradition, resistance to change Black box – tradition, death Summers/ Graves – apparent lightness of the mood (Summers) in contrast with the underlying seriousness/evil (Graves)

  5. “The Lottery” - Quote Response Mrs. Hutchinson’s final words are, “It isn’t fair, it isn’t right”. In paragraph form, discuss the meanings, both connotative and denotative, of each of these remarks. Is there any difference between the meanings of the words “fair” and “right” • as far as Mrs. Hutchinson is concerned? • as far as you are concerned Due on or before Wed. March 17 Approx. ¾ page typed double spaced

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