What does Shirley Jackson accomplish by using stock characters in “The Lottery” instead of complex characters?
A. Readers meet many different stock characters in “The Lottery.”
B. Readers focus on the mysterious plot events instead of the characters.
C. Readers know that each character plays an important role in the story.
D. Readers desire to learn more about each stock character’s motivations.
B. Readers focus on the mysterious plot events instead of the characters.
Which of the following lines from the poem “To Be of Use” best conveys the connotation that hard work is associated with dignity and gratification?
A. “They seem to become natives of that element,”
B. “I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,”
C. “The work of the world is common as mud.”
D. “Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.”
B. “I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,”
Which of the following lines from “I Hear America Singing” best expresses the poem’s theme that many people contribute to America?
A. “I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,”
B. “The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,”
C. “The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,”
D. “The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows,
robust, friendly,”
A. “I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,”
Read the following lines from Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing”:
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his, as it should be
blithe and strong;
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
Which language best contributes to the enthusiastic tone?
A. the words blithe and strong
B. the words mechanics and carpenter
C. the words hear and varied
D. the repeated use of the word singing
D. the repeated use of the word singing
Read the following lines from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”:
And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,
And the lamplight o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted—nevermore!
Which of the below words best helps create the mood of despair in the poem?
A. dreaming
B. chamber
C. shadow
D. nevermore
D. nevermore
The correct answer is B. Readers focus on the mysterious plot events instead of the characters.
In "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the author deliberately uses stock characters, which are stereotypical and flat characters, to achieve a specific effect. Instead of developing complex and multi-dimensional characters, Jackson uses stock characters to create a sense of anonymity and universality among the villagers. This serves to shift the readers' attention away from the individual characters and towards the mysterious and shocking plot events that unfold in the story.
By employing stock characters, Jackson is able to emphasize the collective nature of the village and the mindset of the community as a whole. The characters serve as representations of the larger society rather than unique individuals with their own motivations and desires. This allows readers to be more focused on the larger themes and ideas presented in the story, such as tradition, conformity, and the dark side of human nature.
In essence, using stock characters in "The Lottery" helps Jackson to create a sense of detachment and objectivity. By not delving deep into the characters' inner thoughts and motivations, readers are encouraged to focus on the horrifying ritual of the lottery itself, leading to a more impactful and thought-provoking reading experience.