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.
A: In the short version of “The Lottery” an
attempt to tell this story in a non-bias way. We as the reader know little, if
any, of the internal emotions of the town people. The “lottery” that dictates
this town is historical tradition that needs no questioning. Regardless of your
age, race, beliefs, or values whoever is condemned to draw the black dotted
paper is forced to be stoned to death. It’s simple plot builds anticipation as
the reader slowly learns the results of the lottery. Setting is a key component
for this event; such a tradition occurs in towns far and few. This event does
not dictate the world or a number of nations just few towns that use such a
lottery as a form of tradition and ideology. Anyone who has not grown up in
such a town might find it barbaric yet, the reader is allowed to interpret
their own ideas, to a certain extent. Little if no personal commentary is made
concerning the event, just the facts and tradition. Intrinsically the text is simple and straight
forward but when the reader includes their traditions, beliefs, life experience,
and ideologies confusions and questions consume this town.
GROUP 2
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?
A: In America we like to consider ourselves
the “land of the free” meaning, we are free to make our own decisions; free to
shape and mold our future into whatever we desire. However, our surroundings and
the society in which we are raised greatly dictate the course of our life. This
idea is greatly supported in both readings. For those who live in the town of
New Hope sacrifice a necessary and important part of their life. However, to
anyone who has grown up outside such a town would such ideologies murderous. In
the town of Omelas it is understood that the sacrifice of one life is necessary
for the greater good of society, similar to that of New Hope. These ideologies,
and support of such ideologies, are a direct result of the traditions and
morals imbedded from the governing society. If we compare the ideologies of
America and the Middle East clear conflicts exist. In the Middle East women are
shammed upon, if not forbidden, to bare skin however here in southern
California it is out of the norm if were to hide their body. Who you are, your
beliefs, values, morals, and motivation are all a direct result of your society
and the traditions imbedded within your community or nation.
I agree with your point that this story was being told in a non-bias way. I don't like the idea of the whole lottery tradition but there was a little bit of characterization of some of the townspeople and it made me feel so much sympathy for them.
ReplyDeleteI love your response for the second group and the example of America. It is true that seeing people wearing clothes that cover all of their body is quite weird here, actually we sort of are okay with people just wearing basically nothing. Bad society. Good points!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point on the setting, it makes the short story version seem like it is just their way of tradition, and you are free to have your opinion about it. But in the film version you are introduced to The Lottery as a horrible thing that goes on in the town.
ReplyDeleteI didn't quite understand what you were saying about setting being important in the Lottery. Were you talking about film or text? In the text versions, the practice of the yearly lottery drawing seemed a common thing for nearby towns. I like how you related the idealogies and customs of Middle Eastern women to those in California.
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