Introduction
This webquest will guide you in exploring some of the themes of "The Lottery" and connecting them to "The Most Dangerous Game" and real life events.
Task
from Shmoop.com
"The Lottery" caused major controversy when it was first published in the June 26, 1948 issue of The New Yorker. Shirley Jackson's implicit critique of the brutality underlying the rituals and values of America's small towns outraged magazine readers, many of whom cancelled their subscriptions (see the Encyclopedia Britannicafor more on the tale's publication history).
As a side note – Jackson based "The Lottery" on her life in North Bennington, Vermont. The anonymous, generic village in which "The Lottery" is set, in addition to the vicious twist the story gives to a common American ritual, enhance the contemporary reader's uneasy sense that the group violence in the story could be taking place anywhere and everywhere, right now. Jackson's skillful warping of a popular pastime has become an American classic, establishing her position as one of the great American horror writers.
You will respond to the controversial history of "The Lottery" by comparing it to stories you may already know and some unfamiliar stories. Follow the prompts with the final goal being a one-page, typed paper.
Process
Directions:
- Open Microsoft Word
- Set the paper to 12-point, Times New Roman Font and double space all lines.
- Follow the prompts throughout the webquest while writing your paper.
In the top left hand corner, use the following heading:
[Your name]
Mr. Beach
English 9 CP
September 11, 2014
Step 1:
Follow this link and continue reading the introduction on Shmoop.com. Write an opening paragraph that answers the question "What in real life resembles 'The Lottery'?" Examples could be something that only benefits a chosen few, something that is used to control a population or an unfair punishment. Think of things that happen in your school, community or in places around the world. Write three sentences.
Step 2:
Reflect on our reading of "The Most Dangerous Game". What did Zaroff do that was similar to "The Lottery"? How did he act different? Answer each question using at least two sentences.
Step 3:
Compare and contrast this real life stoning to the stoning in "The Lottery". Give at least 3 details to how they are similar and/or how they are different. Also, provide your own analysis. You may want to consider the value of human life highlighted in both stories, what these actions do to those in the community and/or the effect it has on the rest of the world.
Conclusion
An allegory is defined as "a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one." For your conclusion, write about what ideas "The Lottery" represents as an allegory. Aim for a 3-4 sentence conclusion.