The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson (no spoilers)

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Yvonne Marie
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Re: The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson (no spoilers)

Post by Yvonne Marie »

What a classic , indeed!!! I believe the moral seems more aplicable today then ever before. I see certain aspects of the story in organized religion, and in politics!
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Clifora
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Post by Clifora »

I haven't read this book yet, but I definitely want to check this out. Thank you for the short review!
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mortman1280
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Post by mortman1280 »

Hmm I Have Not Read
Maybe I should
Mark
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Post by Lennycat »

I remember reading this short story for school, I think it was 6th grade. What a little treasure! Like the OP mentioned, no wasted words in this one. Every word, a pearl.
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Post by Storygamer88 »

Man, this book was one of the biggest twists that I would not have guessed in a dozen tries I think. Really liked it and have read it a few times now I think. Are there any similar tales that are short with great or interesting twists like this?
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devraj giri
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Post by devraj giri »

The Lottery, is one of my favorite stories that i have ever read as we can find the greatest satire to superstitious and ill-traditional human beings in the story.
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Post by RegularGuy3 »

I can't hear about this story without thinking "I ain't won jack-a-lot from the squattery." Darn you, Adult Swim!!! Like the short story a lot, though.
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Post by R3vi3W »

Read this story in school...Jr. High I think...absolutely loved it. So good at making the absurd seem credible...somewhat like recent events in politics. Given the everyday mundane characteristics of life - even something inconceivable can become acceptable by the masses.
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Post by EWatson02 »

Shirley Jackson is a very, very effective horror writer. I recently read an article here that gives really good insight into not only what Shirley Jackson was like as a person (and how that influenced her writing), but the interactions between her work and others (namely, Stephen King's The Shining), and the way that gender affects how you interact with both of these authors. If anyone is a fan of her work, I highly recommend this, it is a pretty excellent read.
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Post by Mekkinism »

That's a fascinating article! While I love The Lottery, I find it a little sad that Shirley Jackson's other works have gone much less noticed. Her novel We Have Always Lived in the Castle is fascinating and dark and creepy. If you like her short stories, I really recommend giving it a read.
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Post by Zilelabelle »

I read it in middleschool, I only read it once, but it was one of the first times reading something blew my mind. I remember going home and talking to my mom about it for hours over the next week. Now I find myself thinking that I must have had a really cool English teacher to spring that on us so young.
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Post by GabbiV »

In high school, I was so disappointed that my class didn't get to read The Lottery while the kids in the college level class did that I borrowed a copy from one of them. Since I couldn't discuss it with my class, I would talk about it outside of school with them.
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Post by Elizabeth Pass »

This story has stuck with me over the years. Anytime I find myself or others blinding going along with something, I think back on the story and it helps me to take a step back. I remember being horrified the first time I read it. I know I was young.
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Post by Raena »

I remember reading this story in high school (over 10 years ago). When I became a Reading teacher I taught it, that's how much of an impact the story has, how much staying power it has. It's a story about blind obedience and not questioning anything. I just love the way this story is told and the way the characters are written.
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Post by LinaMueller »

It's an okay book. There's nothing special about this book, IMHO. Not impressed with it, really.
Heart! We will forget him!
You an I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.

When you have done, pray tell me
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you're lagging.
I may remember him!

Emily Dickinson
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