Question

In a well-structured paragraph, evaluate the effectiveness of the allegory in Shirley Jackson’s story, "The Lottery.” Determine whether the story achieved its purpose. Provide three reasons for your answer along with evidence for each reason.

Answer 1

Shirley Jackson effectively achieves her purpose of making the audience think about blindly following traditions. She describes a town that follows an age-old tradition of choosing someone in the community to sacrifice. Different characters have different symbolic meanings. The children show how a new generation learns to follow a tradition without questioning it. The names of prominent town members Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves show symbolic meaning as well. The name Summers shows how the tradition happens continually, like a season. The name Graves highlights the fact that no one speaks out against the deaths. Jackson draws readers in with suspense before shocking them by unveiling that the lottery is a way of picking someone to sacrifice. This shock adds to the effectiveness because it forces a reaction out the readers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Identify the author’s purpose.

Explain whether the author was effective in achieving the purpose.

Provide three reasons for your evaluation.

Use evidence to support your reasons.

Step-by-step explanation: