Take a close look at Jackson’s description of the black wooden box (paragraph 5) and of the black spot on the fatal slip of paper (paragraph 72). What do these objects suggest to you? Are there any other symbols in the story?
What will be an ideal response?
- Every year the townspeople consider replacing the shabby black box, but then no one acts to make any changes. There does seem to be a hint of superstition about this particular box’s importance, because of a rumor that some of its wood was from the previous box and therefore from the building of the town itself. The black wooden box has been used since before the oldest member of the community, Old Man Warner, was born, which suggests this horrendous tradition has taken place since the town’s beginning. That no one wants to improve this stained, faded box parallels the horrendous truth that no one wants to change the tradition itself: “No one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box” (par. 5).
The fatal piece of paper is marked with a “black spot that Mr. Summers had made the night before with the heavy pencil in the coal-company office” (par. 72). This seems to be yet another part of the violent ritual. Mr. Summers does nothing to stop this event. Because of both objects, the reader assumes this lottery will continue to go on for many years since no one stands up to stop the killing or questions why the tradition exists at all.
The stones may be considered another symbol. When Mrs. Delacroix “selected a stone so large she had to pick it up with both hands” (par. 74), she revels herself as a person who fully supports the ritual and who wants to get it over with. Mrs. Dunbar seems to use her physical limitations as a way not to participate when she tells Mrs. Delacroix to run ahead of her; she carries small stones. The village boys gather piles of little stones, and “someone gave little Davy Hutchinson a few pebbles” (par. 76). It seems that Jackson uses the characters’ choice of stones to reveal something about character. Ask your students to consider if other objects can be considered symbolic.
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Which of the following is the main idea of the entire reading?
a. The ancient tradition of acupuncture is an effective way to alleviate pain. b. Acupuncturist place needles along meridians of patients' bodies. c. Acupuncture can help people overcome dependencies such as smoking. d. Medical science hasn't proved that acupuncture is a valid treatment.
20.30 Uhr (zwanzig Uhr dreißig)
You will hear an “official” time given. Write how someone would say this in normal conversation, as shown in the example.
Un trabajo nuevo: Consejos de otros estudiantes Tu jefe quiere que prepares una lista de consejos que otros estudiantes internacionales han sugerido. Completa la lista con la forma apropiada del verbo. Usa mandatos formales (forma de usted).A veces, puede ser difícil acostumbrarse a la vida en otro país. Hemos hablado con otros estudiantes internacionales para hacer una lista de consejos para ayudarlo(a).· No 1. _____________________ (tener) miedo de hablar con sus profesores. La mayoría es amable y está dispuesta a ayudarle.· 2. ________________________ (hablar) con los estudiantes estadounidenses. Nunca dominará el inglés si no lo usa.· 3. _________________________ (lograr) un equilibrio entre estudiar y divertirse. ¡Los dos son
importantes!· 4. __________________________ (intentar) conocer a otro estudiante con quien pueda hablar regularmente y al que pueda hacerle preguntas.· 5. __________________________ (asistir) a todas las clases, especialmente si son difíciles. · 6. __________________________ (hacer) ejercicio. Es bueno para su cuerpo y también para su mente.(3) Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Plagiarism is defined as
a. giving your opinion about what you have read. b. providing your reader with information about your sources. c. using someone's ideas or words without giving that person credit. d. relying on sources that are not relevant to your subject.