Question

How does power, privilege, and oppression show up in Jackson’s "The Lottery"? What consequences does indifference have for the characters?

A. In the story, power and privilege are maintained through a brutal ritual.
B. The characters' indifference to the lottery's violence leads to tragic outcomes.
C. The characters actively resist power and privilege in the society.
D. The consequences of indifference in the story are positive for the characters.

Answer 1

In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," power and privilege are maintained through a brutal ritual, and the characters' indifference to the violence of the lottery leads to tragic outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," power, privilege, and oppression are evident in the brutal ritual that takes place in the story. The villagers maintain power and privilege by participating in the annual selection of a sacrificial victim through a public lottery. This ritual reflects the oppressive nature of the society, as the villagers blindly follow the tradition without question.

The consequences of indifference in the story are tragic for the characters. Their indifference to the violence of the lottery leads to the senseless and brutal stoning of one of their own. The characters' lack of empathy and willingness to participate in this act of violence illustrates the damaging effects of indifference.