Ms. Zarzycka
English 10B
DATE
Title of Your Essay (should relate to Story & Theme)
INTRODUCTION:
Traditions can have both positive and negative aspects. Shirley Jackson, in her short story, “The Lottery,” describes a violent event that occurs every year in a small town. The residents of the town hold a traditional lottery, in which the winner is stoned to death by their fellow townspeople. The lottery is a tradition that has been held in the town for many years, and continues to be followed despite the fact that its residents can no longer find just cause for its existence. In “The Lottery,” Shirley Jackson questions adhering blindly to outdated traditions, showing readers its dangers.
BODY 1: -- SEE PARAGRAPH ON THEME
Topic Sentence:
The negative effects of following tradition blindly are evident through Jackson’s use of literary devices in “The Lottery.”
S EE – Characterization of the townspeople
S EE – Symbolism of the black box
S EE – Symbolism & connotative diction of the children
X 3
Concluding Sentence:
BODY 2: LINKS TO REAL WORLD/SELF
Topic Sentence 2:
The negative effects of following tradition blindly also relate to the issue of X*
*this is where you link your story’s theme to a UNIVERSAL or TIMELESS concern by showing how it is still relevant today. Make as many parallels as possible by really showing the connection between the story’s theme and your real-world link (Criterion A, strand iv)
NOTE: You will need to do research on this real-world issue – find articles or resources to prove that this is still a concern, how, and so what?
CONCLUSION:
Sum up your ideas, but be sure to extend out. So what? What can we learn from the story about humans/our world/relationships, etc.? Remember that themes are not just in a story – they are timeless and universal!