Writing based on "The Lottery"

In case you lose your assignment sheet:

“The Lottery” Writing Assignment

At the end of “The Lottery,” Tessie Hutchinson has died, murdered by her neighbors and family. What happens afterward?

Write a story of approximately 500 words in which you tell the story of the aftermath of “The Lottery.” The original story is written in the third person limited omniscient point of view. You may write in the same way or from another point of view—first person or third person omniscient.

The story must contain at least a few lines of dialogue.

You may use characters from the original story, but everything else about the story should come from you. You might even tell the story from the point of view of a character you invent.

Have fun with this. I want to see your creativity and your writing ability.

Due Tuesday, March 3

First-person and third-person narrators

For Monday:

1. Write a description of something interesting you have done: a trip you took, a fun day with friends or family, an adventure of some kind (even if it seems like it isn’t that important). Write this in the first-person. Approximately 300 words.

2. Write a third-person version of the same story. Your narrator might not know your thoughts or why you’re doing what you’re doing; or, your narrator might be able to tell a reader what you’re thinking. This decision is up to you.

Type these, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman.

Writing about your neighborhood

For next class (9/11), write one paragraph describing the neighborhood of your host family. You might describe people, buildings, landscape, geography, or any other features that strike you. Type, 12 pt., Times New Roman, double space. Thanks!

Also, if we didn't look at your house on Google Maps today, remember to bring your address next time so we can all have a look!

Welcome

Homework will always be listed through the calendar link. Assignments requiring more explanation will be explained via blog posts.

Welcome to MPH!

Bible reading

Always check the calendar for the assigned Bible readings. The link to the Bible is on the right-hand side of this site. (You may use any site so long as it has one of the following translations: New Revised Standard, New International Version, New American Bible.)

Movie assignment

Write about a movie you have seen that you either liked (or loved) or disliked (or hated!). Describe the movie to me. (You can look up information on movies—such as the actors' names—at imdb.com.) Then tell me what you especially liked or disliked about it. (Yes, you could tell me things you both liked and disliked about a movie.)

Follow these technical details:
12 pt.
serif font (Times Roman, for example)
double space
approximately 500 words

Double check for run-ons. Also check your tense(s). As with a book or story, it's okay to talk about the events in a movie in present tense. (For example, "The bank robber escapes, but the police track him down to a sewer.")

Instructions on and questions for "The Lottery"

Revised: For Nov. 6 (Since most of you haven't done this.)

Read Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery." You may look up words and phrases, but please don't look up anything else about the story. You will probably be confused by the story, which is what Jackson wants.

When you've finished reading—and, again, without looking up anything online—please answer these questions. I am NOT looking for CORRECT answers. I want to hear your ideas about the story, not what someone else has concluded about the story.

1. When might this story take place? (What decade? Why do you think that?)
2. Why do the townspeople perform the lottery?
3. Why does Tessie Hutchinson's reaction (to the lottery) change? Where do you first see that shift?

We'll do the recitations first; then we'll discuss the story. Enjoy!

PS: Make sure you now know how to access the calendar.