The story "The Lottery" is one that I have read many different times during middle school and high school. Everytime I have read it the story has struck a major chord, but for different reasons each time. The title in itself depicts a clear image in my mind that is an obvious reflection of our society. The lottery, to us, is a way to win MONEY. It is a chance to win hundreds, thousands, even millions at the cost of a few dollars. But this is not the case in this story. It is a device used to cast out one member of a group. Whoever is lucky enough to draw the slip of paper with the black dot wins that opportunity of being stoned to death by their peers. This black dot is a symbol of the end and a mark for death. Given the story, some of the things that America values don't seem so valuable after all . For example, the idea of "tradition" and "beliefs". The two concepts are extremely important to the American value system and many people do not want change them and those who do are frowned upon or seen as radicals. Nobody likes a stray. Also, the idea that these traditions are instilled in children from the time they are young, in this case "old enough to throw a stone", is somewhat scary but can explain many things in today's society. The fact that no one, not even the family of the woman being stoned, stood up or tried to save her is ridiculous because we see ourselves as individuals who stand up for what we believe in and those we care about, not sheep following the rest of the flock. To end, I want to throw it out there that just because we have a belief or tradition does not mean that is is right or the right way and only way to do something. Also, many of our mistakes as humans were based on these very belief.
Discussion Questions:
1. Name a few parallels of today's society found in "The Lottery" and explain how they reflect society.
2. Give some examples of "traditions/beliefs" that are instilled in us as children that aren't necessarily "a good thing".
3. Discuss other symbols that have been used as marks for death by a society and the beliefs behind these symbols.
1. A parallel that I see between "The Lottery" and our present society may be the death penalty. This may seem like an unrealistic parallel, but it is the first thing that came to my mind when I read the story. Many Americans believe that the death penalty is not only acceptable, it is necessary for justice. While other cultures would be appalled that we would take the life of another human regardless of the crime they committed. This is not unlike us as we read "The Lottery." We are appalled at their practice and find it barbaric and cruel, yet it is acceptable in their society. Perhaps the fact that the "winners" die helps to make my point.
ReplyDelete2. Gender roles may be traditions or beliefs that aren't necessarily a "good thing." If we stop a boy from playing with an "Easy Bake" oven, we may be stopping him from becoming a great chef. If we stop a little girl from watching "boy shows" like "Power Rangers," or "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," we may be crushing her imagination. I am not saying we need to dress up our little boys in tootoos, but perhaps we are preventing our children from reaching their full potential.
3. One example of a symbol of death would be a coffin. A coffin is seen as the final place of rest for the dead. It is almost like their last bed for their eternal sleep. Thus, when we see a coffin, the first idea that comes to mind would be death. Another may be a skull. I am not sure why a skull has been used to mark death other than the obvious fact: in order to see an animal's skull, the animal must be deceased. This includes human beings. People do not walk around without hair or flesh on their face and head. So the skull has also become a universal symbol of death.
2. The first concept that comes to my mind is how we're taught early to sort of rush things in life. We're taught that we should've accomplished this and that by a certain age or we should be married with children at a certain age. Its about knowing your plan through and through early and steering away from taking time to see where life takes you. Another concept we're taught is (sometimes very subtle..other times..not so much) how much simpler and appropriate it is to associate with others like you, (same race, class, age). The perceived comfort of being surrounded by people just like us make us less open to diversity and branching out to socialize with other groups of people
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