Analytical Essay
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Directions: In a five paragraph essay, please present an articulate and well-supported analysis of the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. Your essay should be in direct response to the prompt chosen. You need only to answer one (1) of the prompts offered below.
1. Write an essay that presents your opinion on why the ancestors of the villagers began the lottery.
2. Write an essay that describes the tone (mood) of the story. Present examples from the story that support your thesis.
3. Examine the characters in the story and their feelings about the lottery. Do you think everyone is enthusiastic about this sacrifice? Can it be argued that members of the village are reluctant to participate in the lottery? Can it be argued that villagers want the drawing to continue? Discuss how one might come to one of these conclusions using examples from the story.
4. Duality of Human Nature. Examine the characters as they relate to this theme. Which characters show two sides of humanity? Which characters are seemingly good natured; however, they show a different side during the events of the lottery. Make sure you have three different characters or three different moments where a character(s) show two sides.