Title_ _The Lottery_ by Shirley Jackson and _The Most Dangerous Game_ by Richard Connell

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Jun 1, 2024

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Title: "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell Instructions: Read the short stories "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. Answer the following questions based on your understanding of the stories. Excerpt from "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: The lottery was conducted—as were the square dances, the teenage club, the Halloween program—by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities. He was a round-faced, jovial man and he ran the coal business, and people were sorry for him because he had no children and his wife was a scold. Excerpt from "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell: Rainsford knew now how an animal at bay feels. He had to stop to get his breath. The hounds raised their voices as they hit the fresh scent. Rainsford struck off from the trail. He executed a series of intricate loops; he doubled on his trail again and again, recalling all the lore of the fox hunt, and all the dodges of the fox. Night found him leg weary, with hands and face lashed by the branches, on a thickly wooded ridge. Questions: 1. Compare the settings of "The Lottery" and "The Most Dangerous Game." How do they contribute to the mood of each story? 2. Discuss the themes present in both "The Lottery" and "The Most Dangerous Game." How do these themes impact the stories' messages? 3. Compare the main characters in "The Lottery" and "The Most Dangerous Game." How do their actions and decisions shape the outcomes of each story? 4. How do the authors use suspense and foreshadowing in "The Lottery" and "The Most Dangerous Game" to engage the reader? Answers: 1. Setting Comparison: ○ "The Lottery": The setting of "The Lottery" is a seemingly ordinary small village on a summer day. The normalcy and routine of the setting contrast
sharply with the shocking ritual of the lottery, contributing to the story's atmosphere of suspense and unease. ○ "The Most Dangerous Game": The setting of "The Most Dangerous Game" is a remote island in the Caribbean where General Zaroff hunts humans for sport. The isolated and eerie setting intensifies the suspense and danger that Rainsford faces, creating a tense and thrilling atmosphere. 2. Themes: ○ "The Lottery": Themes in "The Lottery" include the dangers of blindly following tradition, the brutality of mob mentality, and the consequences of conformity. These themes underscore the story's critique of unquestioned rituals and societal norms. ○ "The Most Dangerous Game": Themes in "The Most Dangerous Game" include the nature of humanity, the ethics of hunting, and the survival of the fittest. These themes explore moral dilemmas and the boundaries of civilized behavior in extreme situations. 3. Character Comparison: ○ "The Lottery": The main characters in "The Lottery" are ordinary villagers who participate in the annual lottery without questioning its purpose until it's too late. Their collective actions and adherence to tradition ultimately lead to a tragic outcome. ○ "The Most Dangerous Game": The main characters in "The Most Dangerous Game" are Rainsford, a skilled hunter who becomes the prey, and General Zaroff, who hunts humans for sport. Their choices and strategies drive the conflict and determine the story's resolution. 4. Use of Suspense and Foreshadowing: ○ "The Lottery": Shirley Jackson uses subtle hints and foreshadowing, such as the nervousness of the villagers and the ominous tone surrounding the lottery box, to build suspense leading up to the shocking reveal of the lottery's true nature. ○ "The Most Dangerous Game": Richard Connell employs suspense through Rainsford's desperate attempts to evade General Zaroff and the suspenseful hunt sequences. Foreshadowing is used to hint at the danger Rainsford faces and the true nature of Zaroff's intentions, keeping readers engaged and anxious. Bonus Question (Optional): 5. How do the resolutions of "The Lottery" and "The Most Dangerous Game" impact your understanding of each story's themes? Bonus Answer:
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