Respond to ONE of the following questions. Your response should include the following to receive the points in parentheses: Respond in a well-organized essay. Your answer should be written in complete sentences. (16 pts) (a) Define the term conflict as it relates to literature and explain its importance in narrative writing. Briefly describe the different types of internal and external conflict. Then choose ONE short story or poem you read for this course. Explain how the author introduces, develops, and resolves a major conflict in this narrative. (b) Recall what you have learned about different genres, or types, of narratives and how to analyze a narrative. Then choose ONE short story you read for this course. State the author’s purpose for writing the story (to inform or explain, to describe, to persuade, or to entertain) and summarize the main idea. Briefly discuss the techniques the author used (such as figurative language or metaphor). Evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in achieving the author’s purpose. (c) Identify a major theme in ONE of the stories or poems you read for this course. State the theme in a complete sentence. Then explain how the author develops this theme throughout the story or poem through plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements.
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(b) Recall what you have learned about different genres, or types, of narratives and how to analyze a narrative. Then choose ONE short story you read for this course. State the author’s purpose for writing the story (to inform or explain, to describe, to persuade, or to entertain) and summarize the main idea. Briefly discuss the techniques the author used (such as figurative language or metaphor). Evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in achieving the author’s purpose.
In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the author's purpose for writing the story is to provoke thought and reflection on the nature of tradition and conformity. The main idea of the story is that blindly following tradition without questioning its morality or purpose can lead to devastating consequences.
To convey this message, Jackson employs various techniques, such as symbolism and irony. Symbolism is used throughout the story to represent the theme of the destructive power of blindly following tradition. For example, the lottery itself is a symbolic act that represents the brutal sacrifice of an individual for the sake of tradition. The black box, which holds the slips of paper with the townspeople's names, symbolizes the legacy of the lottery and the inevitable nature of their fate. Additionally, the stones used for stoning the selected individual represent the collective participation in the act of violence and the townspeople's complicity in the perpetuation of tradition.
Irony is also utilized effectively in "The Lottery" to emphasize the shocking conclusion of the story. The initial description of the lottery as a community event with cheerful banter and anticipation creates an atmosphere of normalcy and excitement. However, as the story progresses, the reader becomes aware of the horrific nature of the lottery, culminating in the stoning of the "winner." This contrast between the seemingly mundane setting and the gruesome outcome enhances the impact of the story and encourages the reader to question the blindly accepted practices in their own lives.
Overall, the techniques used by Jackson in "The Lottery" are highly effective in achieving her purpose of challenging the reader's perspective on tradition and conformity. The symbolism and irony employed in the story create a sense of unease and prompt the reader to reflect on the dangers of unquestioningly following societal norms. By engaging the reader's emotions and provoking thoughtful contemplation, Jackson successfully conveys her message and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.