Question
The Lottery
Definition
of Theme: Generally the theme of a story is "what it is about"...but
more specifically the theme of a story should provide some insight about life,
human nature, or a commentary on society. In other words, it is the "take
away" that the author wants us to think about after reading the story. It
should be universally applicable, regardless of your personal identity or
background. Good literature opens our minds to realities about life and living
that we may not have considered before. Write an essay (500 word minimum)
analyzing the theme in one of the stories from the Literary Selections in this
module. Since a theme often involves making moral
statements, you are free to express your opinion on whether you agree or
disagree with the moral of the story. As with all literary critiques, quotes
from the story should be used to strengthen and support your analysis, and
should be punctuated correctly (seeNorton "Strategies for Effective
Quoting" p. 2052). Review the Guidelines for All Essays Click the
"Submit Assignment" button on the right to submit (and
"Re-Submit Assignment" if necessary). Visit the following Canvas
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assignment?
Expert Solution
The
Lottery is a narrative about a small
American community celebrating a tradition called the lottery every year.
However, the fate of the lottery winner is only revealed at the end of the
narrative. The village children gather stones, and the event is led by Mr Summers
(Jackson, 1948). Mr Summers
possesses an old black box with slips of paper, all except one blank. Each
household's head has to remove one slip of paper when called upon, after which
they open it. Bill Hutchinson draws the marked paper, after which one person
from his household must be selected (Jackson, 1948). Despite his wife's protests, the lottery continues with
each of the five household members drawing a slip from the black box. Bill's
wife, Tessie, draws the marked paper in this instance, making her the lottery
winner (Jackson, 1948). Despite further
protests, the villagers stone her to death as per tradition (Jackson,
1948). Therefore, The Lottery critiqued mindlessly following
tradition, which I agree with, as societies should evolve with new information
and needs.
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