Question

Select a short story that you have read in this course. Then, select a piece from another artistic medium—an image such as a painting or mural; music such as a song or symphony; a sculpture—that represents the same subject or an important scene in the story. Write a 4-5 paragraph essay comparing and contrasting the text of the story and the other artistic medium. In what ways are the two similar? In what ways are they different?

Answer 1

For the purpose of this essay, let's consider the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and compare it to the painting "The Scream" by Edvard Munch. Both works delve into themes of human anxiety, fear, and the darker aspects of society, presenting them through different artistic mediums.

In "The Lottery," Jackson paints a chilling picture of a seemingly idyllic small town where an annual lottery takes place. The story builds suspense and tension as the reader anticipates the outcome of the lottery, only to be confronted with a shocking twist at the end. Similarly, Munch's painting "The Scream" depicts a figure engulfed in existential anguish, with a haunting landscape in the background. The distorted features and vivid colors in the painting convey a sense of terror and unease.

Both the story and the painting employ symbolism to convey their themes. In "The Lottery," the black box used for the lottery becomes a symbol of tradition and blind adherence to customs. Similarly, "The Scream" utilizes symbolism through the figure's wide-open mouth, symbolizing a scream of existential dread. Both works invite the audience to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature and societal conventions.

However, there are notable differences between the two mediums. The short story allows for a deeper exploration of characters and their motivations, providing insights into the collective mindset of the townspeople. On the other hand, "The Scream" captures a single moment frozen in time, leaving the interpretation of the figure's anguish open to individual perception.

Furthermore, the narrative structure of the short story allows for a gradual buildup of suspense and revelation, whereas the painting instantly evokes a sense of unease and distress. The story provides context, character development, and a plot, while the painting relies on visual elements to convey its message.

In conclusion, both "The Lottery" and "The Scream" explore themes of fear and the darker aspects of society. While the story allows for a more detailed exploration of characters and plot, the painting captures a singular moment of anguish through its visual elements. Both mediums employ symbolism to convey their messages, but they do so in distinct ways. Despite their differences, both the story and the painting serve as powerful artistic expressions that provoke contemplation and invite the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the human condition.