http://http://mbhs.bergtraum.k12.ny....rts/lotry.html
The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson?
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http://http://mbhs.bergtraum.k12.ny....rts/lotry.html
The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson?
Linky no worky. :)
http://mbhs.bergtraum.k12.ny.us/cybe...rts/lotry.html
Thanks Coz
dble duh for me:rolleyes:
decaf doesn't do the trick:confused:
*deep sigh
That story has haunted me since junior high. I believe it was english class and we had to watch an old black and white film depicting that story. Then we had to write an essay. I remember the general concensus was that it was about blindly following tradition. Now, I might say it has something to do with the seeming neccessity for a scapegoat or ritual sacrifice turning into pop culture and folklore.
Then we had to watch it in night school (I had to make up some credits) I wrote what I had written the first time around feeling confident that this was the general message. The teacher said I was wrong and that it was a social commentary on the Draft. Crazy.
Cool work, eh? Don't you love the way Jackson sets the scene and tone, then develops it to the shocking end. Still blows me away. The stoning could be symbolic of many things in society. On the first read, the shock just engulfed me. Thanks for your pov.
http://www.netwood.net/~kosenko/jackson.html
A different literary criticism than night school's. Personally, I can't imagine an English teacher stating there is only one interpretation to a literary work. (Although, I've been in classes like that. sigh)
Here's a bit about her life and work:
http://reagan.underthesun.cc/sjackson/sjackson1.html
If you notice, Jackson lived in Vermont when she wrote The Lottery. (She received lots of hate mail for the story.) Then moved to Westport, an affluent, artistic and unusually open-minded community, Connecticut.
I have to say I agree with your primary reaction to the story. Usually, teachers put this one out, because it is so thought provoking and well written. Wouldn't want to over analyze it, but anyone easily could. ;)
Definitely a must read!
i read that for the first time this fall in my creative writing class. it was one of my favorite stories we read.