Commonlit the lottery answer key – Journey into the enigmatic world of “The Lottery” with CommonLit’s comprehensive answer key. Discover the significance behind the chilling rituals, decipher the profound themes, and delve into the complex ending that has captivated readers for generations.
Shirley Jackson’s haunting tale of a seemingly ordinary village concealing a sinister secret unfolds in this in-depth analysis. CommonLit’s answer key provides a roadmap through the story’s labyrinthine plot, guiding you to a deeper understanding of its haunting implications.
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The Lottery
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a chilling short story that explores the themes of tradition, conformity, and the dangers of blind obedience. Set in a small, isolated village, the story follows the annual lottery ritual, where one villager is chosen at random to be stoned to death.
Through its shocking and symbolic narrative, The Lottery prompts readers to question the nature of human behavior and the destructive power of tradition.
Main Themes and Motifs
Tradition:The lottery is a deeply ingrained tradition in the village, passed down from generation to generation. The villagers cling to it despite its horrifying consequences, believing it ensures good fortune and prosperity. This unyielding adherence to tradition, even when it becomes irrational or harmful, highlights the dangers of blind conformity.
Conformity:The villagers participate in the lottery out of fear of being ostracized or labeled as different. They prioritize the preservation of social order over their own moral compass. This mass conformity reinforces the power of groupthink and the silencing of dissenting voices.
Scapegoating:The lottery serves as a ritualistic scapegoating mechanism. By sacrificing one individual, the villagers symbolically cleanse themselves of their own fears and anxieties. This practice, while common in many cultures throughout history, underscores the human tendency to blame and punish others for our own misfortunes.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing
The Black Box:The black box from which the slips of paper are drawn symbolizes the randomness and inevitability of fate. It represents the arbitrary nature of the lottery, highlighting that anyone can become a victim.
The Stones:The stones used in the stoning symbolize the collective guilt and responsibility of the villagers. Each stone represents a silent agreement to participate in the ritual, even if they do not fully comprehend or agree with its purpose.
The Weather:The changing weather conditions throughout the story foreshadow the impending violence. The warm and sunny morning gives way to thunder and lightning, reflecting the villagers’ inner turmoil and the impending doom.
The Lottery Answer Key: Understanding the Ending
The black box and the slips of paper are central to the story’s plot and symbolism. The black box represents the tradition and ritual of the lottery, while the slips of paper symbolize the randomness and unpredictability of fate.
Interpretations of the Ending
The story’s ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving room for multiple interpretations. Some believe the lottery is a cruel and senseless tradition, while others see it as a necessary evil to maintain order in the community.
Author’s Purpose
By leaving the ending open-ended, the author forces readers to confront their own beliefs about fate, tradition, and the nature of evil. The ambiguity challenges readers to think critically about the story’s themes and to consider the implications of their own actions.
Educational Applications of “The Lottery”
“The Lottery” offers valuable lessons in literary analysis, making it an excellent choice for classroom use. It addresses various Common Core State Standards, including:* Reading: Literature (RL) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
Writing (W) 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10
Lesson Plan Ideas
Grade 6-8:*
-*Character Analysis
Have students analyze the motivations and actions of Tessie Hutchinson, Mr. Summers, and the other villagers.
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-*Symbolism and Irony
Discuss the significance of the lottery stones, the black box, and the role of tradition in the story.
-*Theme
Explore the themes of conformity, scapegoating, and the dangers of blind adherence to tradition.
Grade 9-12:*
-*Literary Devices
Examine the use of foreshadowing, symbolism, and irony in the story.
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-*Historical Context
Discuss the influence of historical events, such as the Salem witch trials, on Shirley Jackson’s writing.
-*Social Commentary
Analyze the story’s critique of society’s tendency to scapegoat and ostracize outsiders.
Comparative Analysis
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” has been widely compared to other works of literature that explore similar themes of tradition, conformity, and the dangers of mob mentality. One notable comparison is to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” which also delves into the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic community.
Influence on Subsequent Works
“The Lottery” has had a profound influence on subsequent works of fiction and film. The story’s chilling portrayal of a society that blindly adheres to a violent tradition has inspired countless other works that explore the dangers of unquestioning authority and the fragility of human civilization.
Relevance to Contemporary Society, Commonlit the lottery answer key
“The Lottery” remains relevant to contemporary society as it raises important questions about the role of tradition, the importance of critical thinking, and the potential for violence within even the most seemingly civilized communities. The story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of blindly following the crowd and the importance of questioning the status quo.
Expert Answers: Commonlit The Lottery Answer Key
What is the significance of the black box in “The Lottery”?
The black box represents the tradition and ritual that binds the villagers, even though its purpose has been forgotten.
How does the story explore the theme of conformity?
The villagers blindly follow the tradition of the lottery, even though they fear it, highlighting the power of social pressure and the dangers of unquestioning obedience.
What is the author’s purpose in leaving the ending ambiguous?
The ambiguous ending encourages readers to reflect on the story’s deeper meanings and consider the consequences of tradition and conformity in their own lives.
