•TOPIC 1: The Destructive Nature of Practicing Outdated Traditions
•THEME: In “The Lottery,” Jackson demonstrates that blindly and unquestionably accepting and following tradition can be destructive for everyone involved.
•Status quo: the way things are. The phrase “maintain the status quo” means keeping things the way they are – traditions are examples of status quo. In many cultures, traditions are considered a way of remembering and honoring one’s ancestor and heritage.
•In “The Lottery,” the townspeople accept and follow the traditions passed down to them uncritically, leaving the idea of discontinuing the lottery largely unconsidered. – How?