Comparing The Lottery and The Crucible
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Objective
I can compare and contrast the central themes and social commentaries in 'The Lottery' and 'The Crucible'.
Part 1 of 3
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Both Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" and Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" offer social commentaries on the dangers of collective behavior and unquestioned authority.
- 2
"The Lottery" critiques the blind adherence to tradition and the terrifying consequences of unexamined rituals.
- 3
"The Crucible," set during the Salem Witch Trials, focuses on religious fanaticism and the abuse of power, serving as an allegory for McCarthyism.
Part 2 of 3
Practice
3 questions
Identify one central theme that is common to both Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery' and Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible'.
While both 'The Lottery' and 'The Crucible' critique collective delusion, explain how the specific source or context of this delusion differs between the two works.
Part 3 of 3
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Based on the reading passage, both 'The Lottery' and 'The Crucible' offer social commentaries on the dangers of collective behavior and unquestioned authority. Compare how each work develops this commentary by identifying one key similarity in their critiques and one key difference in their specific focus or context.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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