The "Lottery"

The “Lottery” written by Shirley Jackson, is a short story containing a theme of communities having a “tribal” nature to them.  In this story the people within this community have a ritual or a “lottery” that is performed every year.  This lottery is not a good lottery that you want to win, but a lottery that leads to the stoning of an individual that is selected from a drawing.   This short story conveys this theme because of the fact that even though everyone sees this stoning as a bad thing; they never try to stop it.  This to me shows that this community is stuck with the rituals that were created in the past and are unwilling to change anything in fear that something bad will happen.  Such as when a Mrs. Adams says “Some places have already quit lotteries” and Old Man Warner proclaims that there is “Nothing but trouble with that.  Pack of young fools.”  This sort of behavior reminds me of tribes that to this day still practice the customs, such as having their own government, and don’t want to change this because of fear that something will go wrong. 

I come from a small town such as this one and I know that when someone wants something changed, there is always a battle over if it should be changed.   Just recently the town that I am from wanted to change the parking situation on one of the main roads.  This new parking policy went into effect, but everyone had been doing the same thing for so long, that they didn't follow the law or just didn't care cause the way of the past it the way it should be.  This type of behavior shows even with the most simple task of parking a different way, people of a small town are stuck in their ways and just want everything to remain the way it is.  In the end the new parking policy was dismissed and it stayed the way it was in the first place.

Mrs. Mallards Posts

1. Spring has started to let us know that it is coming to visit, and it couldn't have come any earlier.  I can't wait to feel the sun on my skin and hear the sparrows twitter. I don't know how this day could go wrong.
2. Just got the news.  Nothing seems like it will ever be the same.
3. Why does this sort of thing happen to me? I can't live without him.  Please let this horrific event be only in my dreams.
4. To think that I said just said good-bye to my husband, I never would have thought it would be my last words to him.
5. One never really knows what losing part of you is until you lose your one true love. 
6. If I just sit in this chair and not see anyone for awhile, I will be content. Spring is just around the corner and that doesn't even seem to bring my spirits up.
7. Is  there anyone out there that has lost someone that has started to feel like this?  If you have you know what I am talking about.
8. Maybe something happen for a reason.  Maybe it is my time to live just for myself and do what I have never done before.
9. I am so lucky to have a supportive sister who loves, but I feel like I just need to be alone for a little while.  I am trying to figure out what I am going to next with my life.
10. I can't believe life can change so quickly.  Within an hour I thought my life was going to be over, to finding out that maybe my life has only just begun.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Heart-failure/Pages/living-with.aspx

Boy

Remember to always say please and thank you no matter what the circumstances are. Don’t ever let me catch you with your pants hanging below your butt and your hat cocked to the side.  No one will ever respect or take you seriously when you look like a fool. Always respect the ones around you and give everything your best.  When you are with a girl, treat her with the utmost respect.  Open doors for her, always listen to what she has to say, don’t ignore her, but don’t be clingy. When you do find the women of your dreams make sure to make her day easier.  Pick the kids up from school every once in a while, do the dishes after dinner, and take her out at much as you can.  Work hard to get what you need and never expect to have things handed to you.  Work hard to reach your goals so you can provide for your family.  Have fun when you can, but know when the time to get serious is. When you become successful remember where you came from.  Nobody likes a grown man that acts like a child.  I don’t expect you to be a millionaire, but if you are doing what you love and can support yourself and/or a family, you are always a success.  In the end, be who are and no one else!  

Dialogue

          The sun was just setting over the mountains, casting shadows all across the town.  Cars were zooming past one another trying to make it to their garages as fast as they can.  Families were sitting down at tables waiting for the diner that was about to begin.  In one particular house the table was set for a family gathering, but that was far from what was about to happen.

            He sped into the driveway with brakes screeching and rage in his eyes. The door flung open and the shouting began.

            How could you do such a thing to me, let alone to our two little girls?  You have to get out of this house right now!  I don’t even think I can look at you right now! He stated. Go!

            She sets outside the kitchen to the living room. What are you even talking about? She asked back.

            He stomps around into the living room and makes eye contact with her.

I know about the man that you have been seeing outside of our marriage. He said. Did this marriage even mean anything to? I want you out of this house right now!  I don’t want to hear about it, think about it, or give you the time to even explain yourself. Leave!

            She moves toward him to try to explain herself. 

            We have been through too much together, 3 pregnancies, two children, and a complete life together.  We can’t just give up on this now. She said. Give me time to explain myself.  I think I desire at least that.

            He can’t believe what she is saying and as soon as he beings to fight back he sees the crying faces of the two little girls.  He walks over to the oldest and tells them to go into their room.  Mommy and Daddy are just having a little talk right now.  He said.  Go to your room and play with your Barbie’s.

            The yelling continued for a while and then just stopped.  The last thing that was heard was the car pulling out of the driveway.  The table in that house was never set for four again.

Test Prep #2

 

When the word "plastic" is used for credit cards, which type of metaphor is being used?

a. metonymy

b. synecdoche.

c. personification

Test Prep.

This website really helps explain what an epigram is and also has some good examples.

True or False. Epigrams are intended to make a sharp comment or witty observation.

Howl Imitation

I see the best minds of my generation not pursuing a future

Who work two or more jobs just to make it through another month

I see the best minds of my generation contemplating whether to go to school or stay at home

Who never or barely graduated high school, but still think they deserve the world

Sitting in their parent’s basement listening to the sound of silence

Pondering what should be their next unnecessary purchase.

I see the best minds of my generation not being unique

Trying to be like everyone else and not wanting to just be themselves

I see the best people of my generation taking the shortcuts in life

Who search and search to copy and paste,

Because it is easier than creating their own pieces of work

I see the best minds of my generation slowly never reaching their full potential

Who never truly went away for college because of the fear of the unknown

I see the best people of my generation always choosing what is easiest

Who still are sitting in the stands at their Alma modern’s games

But have hoped of still making it out

Everything they strived for has somehow disappeared, causing them to not believe in dreams and never living a fulfilling life

I see the best minds of my generation not living up to their potential and regretting everyday