BLOG #4

Answer a question from GROUP 1 and a question from GROUP 2. 

Be sure to comment on several other posts.

GROUP 1

1. Read the short story version of “The Lottery”. The original story is a much pared down version of the film – there’s no Jason, Felice, love story, male rivalry, etc. It’s also told very simply, much like the fairy tales we studied earlier on. What do you notice in terms of plot, characterization, point of view, and setting? Do an intrinsic reading in which you use only these literary elements to discuss the story.

2. Read one of the articles on “The Lottery” in Blackboard (keeping in mind that the story differs from the film in terms of names (“Tessie Hutchinson” is the woman’s who’s stoned; Old Man Warner is in charge of conducting the lottery Summarize the article carefully, then use it to elaborate on your own observations about the text. You should quote the author directly, and be sure to provide some of your own analysis as well (it doesn’t matter whether the article supports your reading or not; you can offer a different perspective.

3. Read one of the articles on “Omelas” in Blackboard. Summarize the article carefully, then use it to elaborate on your own observations about the text. You should quote the author directly, and be sure to provide some of your own analysis as well (it doesn’t matter whether the article supports your reading or not; you can offer a different perspective.

4. Analyze either of the texts through a Marxist perspective. In it, use at least three of these terms, identifying them carefully. bourgeoisie, proletariat, ideology, social class/social hierarchy, revolution/revolt, and capitalism

GROUP 2

5.  Compare either the basic themes (central idea), characterization and/or setting in “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” and The Lottery (use the film or the short story, and concentrate on the literary elements in the story rather than larger social questions.

6. Consider how “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” and The Lottery (film or short story) deal with the relationship between individual and society (self interest vs. the greater good). What does each story seem to argue about this relationship?

7. Seen or read The Hunger Games? If so, you likely will see the parallels between the blockbuster and “The Lottery” (elements of which appear in Games and which were partial inspiration for the trilogy).  What are these parallels? How do both texts treat the issues of bourgeoisie vs. proletariat and the ideology the bourgeoisie spreads and sustains?