The Lottery: Taking a Stand
9-10 Grade Band Text Set
Line of Inquiry: In this text set, students will explore fiction and nonfiction texts that are connected
through a common idea: “Taking a stand is often difficult and costly, but not taking a stand more often
extracts a greater toll.” The anchor text, The Lottery, addresses the consequences of blindly following
tradition. Language and descriptions throughout imply that the citizens no longer understand why they
conduct the lottery and even suggest that other towns have done away with it. Despite this doubt, the
citizens follow the tradition of the lottery and the consequences are certainly dire. The related texts in
this set offer different perspectives on and increase student opportunities to think about what it means
to take a stand.
Anchor Text
1310L The Lottery
By: Shirley Jackson
Genre: Fiction
“The Lottery” presents the idea that blindly following tradition can lead to dire
consequences.
950L
Speech to the Second Virginia Convention
By: Patrick Henry
Source: Appendix B of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy
Genre: Nonfiction
Henry, Patrick. "Speech to the Second Virginia Convention." Speech. Colonial Williamsburg.
Web. <http://www.history.org/almanack/life/politics/giveme.cfm>.
Henry’s famous speech ending in “I know not what course other may take; but as for me, give me
liberty or give me death!” documents a pivotal moment in US history. When other colonists
suggested waiting to hear from the English monarchy in an attempt to reconcile, Henry argues
for the colonies to form a militia and take a stand against British rule.
N/A
Conscientious Objector
By: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Genre: Fiction
Millay, Edna St. Vincent. "Conscientious Objector." Wine from These Grapes. New York: Harper
& Brothers, 1934. N. pag. Print.
Millay’s poem takes a stand against participating in any activities which will lead to death of
others. The title has military connotations and suggests a protest against military action.
1170L The Jungle (excerpts)
By: Upton Sinclair
Genre: Fiction
Sinclair, Upton. The Jungle. Cambridge, MA: R. Bentley, 1971. Print.
Sinclair’s searing critique of the meatpacking industry, contained within a novel about the lives of
immigrants in America, remains a powerful document in US history. While the novel itself
doesn’t necessarily promote taking a stand, the act of writing and producing an honest portrayal
of industry at the time represents a protest against the inhumane conditions present in the
industry.
1350L Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954)
Source: National Park Service
http://www.nps.gov/brvb/historyculture/upload/brown%20US%20supreme%20court.pdf
Genre: Nonfiction
Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
The Supreme Court decision handed down in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka declared the
“separate but equal” law established by Plessy v. Ferguson unconstitutional. Taking a stand
against unfair practices was not well received in some places, but it was worth a larger moral
victory in the end.
1370L Animal Farm
By: George Orwell
Genre: Fiction
Orwell, George. Animal Farm; New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1954. Print.
Satirical and cautionary, the tale of Animal Farm depicts the improbability of a system run for the
collective good. The ideas explored in the novel add another perspective to the line of inquiry not
explored in the other texts—those who take a stand can easily succumb to their own vices and
take over the role of those they once fought against.