Writing Prompts for Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”
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Examine the characters in the story and their feelings about the lottery. Do you think everyone is
enthusiastic about this sacrifice? Can it be argued that members of the village are reluctant to participate
in the lottery? Can it be argued that villagers want the drawing to continue? Discuss how one might
come to one of these conclusions using examples from the story.
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Duality of Human Nature. Examine the characters as they relate to this theme. Which characters show
two sides of humanity? Which characters are seemingly good natured; however, they show a different
side during the events of the lottery. Make sure you have three different characters or three different
moments where a character(s) show two sides.
Before you begin to write, you should BRAINSTORM (bullet points/webbing)
Your paragraph should include the following:
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An introductory statement (must include the title and author)
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Supporting sentences (three to six)
o Three different examples
o Cementing idea or commentary after your example
o Smoot transition from idea to idea
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A concluding statement (can include title and author, but it does not have to)
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Stick to one side of the argument. Do not straddle the electric fence.