Reading Analysis of Short Story: Lottery
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Instructions
Mood: The emotional atmosphere in a literary work (how the work makes the reader feel).
Characterization: The way an author helps the reader to learn about the characters. Direct characterization – The author directly states the characters traits. Indirect characterization The author reveals the traits of a character through methods that require the reader to draw conclusions about the character (i.e. dialogue, a characters actions, a characters thoughts, and what characters say about him or her).
Symbolism: The use of any object, person, place, or action that has meaning in itself while standing for something larger than itself, such as a quality, attitude, belief, or value.
TOPICS/ Questions:
NOTE: Mention the question number that you will choose in the submitted assignment. MLA Work Citation must be added if you are using any sources including the websites of the Sample essays, articles, PDF text of the story, Spark Notes.
Instructions
Mood: The emotional atmosphere in a literary work (how the work makes the reader feel).
Characterization: The way an author helps the reader to learn about the characters. Direct characterization – The author directly states the characters traits. Indirect characterization The author reveals the traits of a character through methods that require the reader to draw conclusions about the character (i.e. dialogue, a characters actions, a characters thoughts, and what characters say about him or her).
Symbolism: The use of any object, person, place, or action that has meaning in itself while standing for something larger than itself, such as a quality, attitude, belief, or value.
TOPICS/ Questions:
NOTE: Mention the question number that you will choose in the submitted assignment. MLA Work Citation must be added if you are using any sources including the websites of the Sample essays, articles, PDF text of the story, Spark Notes.
- Based on the description of the setting provided in the first paragraph, what is the mood of the story? Be sure to support your answer with evidence from the text.
- Who is Mr. Summers? Provide a brief description; be sure to identify his role in the story.
- Read carefully the paragraph that begins, There was a great deal of fussing (2) and explain how the author uses specific words and details to reinforce the importance of the lottery in this small town.
- How is Tessie Hutchinson characterized in the story? Identify three characteristics of Tessie and explain how they contribute to your understanding of her character.
- What is the significance of Old Man Warners reaction to Mr. Adams stating, that over in the north village theyre talking of giving up the lottery (4)? What does Old Man Warners reaction reveal about his character and his values? Cite specific evidence from the text.
- How does the reading of the names add tension to the story? Tension: A mood that is created by an author to engage the reader in an anxious anticipation of the outcome of a story line or an interesting character. Authors use suspense and tension to hold the readers interest throughout the plot developments.
- What do you think the black box symbolizes? Identify and explain the significance of one additional symbol in the story.
- How does the mood change from the beginning of the story to the end? Use at least two quotations to support your answer.
- When does Tessie Hutchinsons view of the lottery change from the beginning to the end of the story? Use at least two quotations from the story to support your answer.
- Consider the significance of stoning in the story? Why do you think this community conducts a lottery where one person is chosen to be stoned? Why do you think the townspeople are willing to follow the ritual?
- What is a little bit ironic, or unexpected, about Tessies final scream, “It isn’t fair, it isn’t right. (5); why do you think Tessie says these words at this specific moment in the story?
- A parable is a short story that is intended to reveal a truth or a moral message. What is the lesson Shirley Jackson wants the reader to learn?
Assignment: I have given above a choice of questions/ topics. CHOOSE one question/topic. NEXT, write your response to this topic- INTERPRETING/CRITIQUING the setting, symbols, characterization, mood in your words. KEEP the topic you chose as the center of your INTERPRETATION/CRITIQUE. Length of the writing SHOULD be 600 words.
Grading Rubric is as follows:
#1 An introduction with a clear thesis: Start your short essay with a clear thesis that exhibits the main idea you have chosen to write and prove.
#2 Supporting content (from the story). You can choose a few lines from the original text of the story to prove your thesis and main idea.
#3 Conclusion/ summation that endorses your thesis about the topic you chose.
#4 Grammar
#5 Mechanics/Originality
