38 - The Lottery (with Jess Perkins and Naomi Higgins)
May 20, 2020
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Jess Perkins from Do Go On and Naomi Higgins from Batch Bitch join Dave to discuss Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery.' The hosts explore themes of conformity, mob rule, and tradition in the story. They also touch on the controversy and backlash surrounding the publication. In addition, they share their excitement for reviewing a reality TV show called Kid Rock where children build a hospital in a third world country with no supervision.
The story 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson explores the themes of tradition, conformity, and the danger of blindly following established norms.
'The Lottery' generated controversy upon its publication in 1948 due to its dark and unsettling nature, but has since become a classic of American literature.
The impact of 'The Lottery' extends beyond literature, inspiring adaptations in other mediums and provoking thought and discussion about blind conformity and the power of tradition.
Deep dives
The Lottery: A Chilling Tale of Conformity Gone Mad
In Shirley Jackson's short story 'The Lottery,' a small village engages in an annual ritual where one resident is selected at random and stoned to death by the community. The story explores themes of tradition, conformity, and the danger of blindly following established norms. The chilling ending leaves readers questioning the consequences of blindly participating in harmful practices.
Controversy and Influence of 'The Lottery'
Originally published in 1948, 'The Lottery' generated a significant amount of controversy and backlash. Many readers were outraged by the dark and unsettling nature of the story. Despite the negative reaction, Jackson's work has become a classic of American literature and has influenced subsequent authors in the horror and mystery genres.
Adaptation and Influences
The themes and impact of 'The Lottery' have also been explored in other mediums. The story has been referenced in popular culture, including in an episode of 'The Simpsons' and has been adapted into a play. It continues to provoke thought and discussion about the dangers of blind conformity and the power of tradition.
Legacy and Reception
Despite its controversial reception upon publication, 'The Lottery' has become an important and widely recognized work. Its examination of conformity, tradition, and morality continues to resonate with readers. Shirley Jackson's skillful storytelling and her ability to create an atmosphere of suspense and unease make 'The Lottery' a thought-provoking and significant work of literature.
On this episode of Book Cheat Dave has read Shirley Jackson's classic short story, 'The Lottery.' Joining Dave to hear why upon publication in 1948 it was met with outrage is Jess Perkins from Do Go On and Naomi Higgins from Batch Bitch.