A Discussion of Shirley Jackson's The Lottery

Here is a video discussion about "The Lottery". a short story written by shirley Jackson. According to the Old Testament it has happened. Professor James Durbin, english professor from USC, talks about this short story piece. Watch about this story an explaination about it.
This is NOT to take place of Cliff Notes, nor as a substitube for the story. This is ONLY a discussion about this piece.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• video
• discussion
• shirley
• jackson
• the
• lottery
• extended
• coverage
• educational
• short
• story

[roxysayu]

i really didn't get the story can some one explain to me

[pressmin]

@roxysayu Watch the film first and see for yourself what it is about. Then come back and watch the discussin Uon about it. The film is also posted on YT. See for yourself.

[cofycats]

It's a story that is commentary on society, those who think it is stupid are afraid to look at who we are under the surface. But, then again, these are the same people who protect fetuses like they were gold, but have no problem sending their 18 year olds off to someone ELSES war!

[itune41k]

@cofycats Well said. So many people follow blindly it's insane.

[ckparks32]

@McCrystalc123 I think you are a little confused. First off, in the movie you notice that at the very beginning it says that "this is fiction", that means that this did not really happen. The story is an allagory meant to illustrate our own apathy towards our fellow man. It's that "as long as it is not happening to me" mentality.

[mortezaoz]

1 more point he didn't make is a concept in "ethical decision making" : "is it fair to sacrifice someone if everyone has the same chance of being chosen?" , the implication is in a hostage taking situation, or when survival in a critical situation would depend on sacrificing one person.

[spicyxeskimo]

@McCrystalc123 Calm down..

[mhz23]

Great companion piece. First time I've seen it.

[mhz23]

@roxysayu Read the story. Then see the film.

[McCrystalc123]

I just watched this in class today and I fucking hate it and it's not right to do this I mean is there a reason y the did this back then and we get money instead Of having rocks throw at u this is bullshit I hate the author and how she made this book and this story it is so fucking bullshit god I hate u shearly Jackson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rabbitmickey82]

I totally agreed, that the author creates the surrealism to let us realise the past was some silly mistakes where man gets manipulated easily. Just as we grow older we get wiser but the old man has not gotten wise, still sturborn, as where our politician and governments hanker over old policy which needs some effort to revise!

[Hugo411]

School Bullying goes on and on because those in charge look the other way. "there s always been a lottery" becomes there s always been this kind of thing in schools.

[revacohen]

I think the professor made some valid points, but there were certain things he overlooked. Tessie could not be called a martyr, because she had partaken in the lottery before and voiced no objection. She only protested because she was now the chosen victim. As far as the professor's comments on religion, I didn't catch that in the story. I also feel that religion in and of itself is not bad, but people should know why they are practicing it.

[RvrMay]

This video really opened my mind. I was confused then. Thank you!