The Lottery

Watch “What is literature for?” before completing this entry. Be sure your answers reflect the issues raised in the video about empathy and other cultures.

“The Lottery” involves some very powerful messages about society and how the rules of society are formed, how they are kept, and how they change (or not).

Using specific examples of words, actions and behaviors from the work, explain how you see the Lottery reflecting modern society? How does it relate to today? This is not an answer about today’s political climate, although that may be related. Your discussion will be about the work itself.

Begin by answering the question: What is the commentary this work is making about human nature and society. Your answer will be one sentence; it will contain a reference to “The Lottery” (hint: mention it by name); and will give a quick summary of what you think the work is saying about people. This is the thesis. (Relate to the “What is Literature For?” Video.

Your paragraphs will then explain this statement. This is done by expanding your position in detail and then by pointing to at least FOUR specific examples (words, actions, behaviors) from the work that you discuss in detail. Use them to show your reader how you see the work as making this point. This is literary criticism: Analysis of literature using words, actions, and behaviors from the work to prove a point.

Answers that receive full credit demonstrate a solid reading and understanding of the discussion of literature and of the basic elements of literary criticism. (hint: they should reflect the videos AND the reading).

What is literature for: https://youtu.be/4RCFLobfqcw

The importance of literature: https://youtu.be/neRyi3i3K20