|
In-class
writing assignment inspired by Shirley Jackson’s short story The Lottery. We as humans are ritualistic creatures,
hoping that performing and repeating a ritual will somehow influence our “luck.” Shirley Jackson’s short story The Lottery describes townspeople who,
in the belief that it will ensure bountiful harvests, perform a yearly ritual
of human sacrifice. Fortunately, most modern rituals are
generally harmless and often amusing. For
example, we might knock on wood to forestall bad luck, or believe that rubbing
a rabbit’s foot or finding a four-leaf clover will ensure good luck. One ritual that I have performed for many
years is to take sips of water at a drinking fountain only in multiples of
seven. Assignment: In the time left today, briefly analyze a
ritual that you practice or have practiced or have witnessed others
practice. The ritual you analyze can
be a serious religious ritual or an amusing one. Consider
the following in your analysis: What
is the ritual? How is it
performed? What is the ritual supposed
to bring about? What is believed would happen if the ritual were stopped? I
will not share your assignment with anyone else, so feel free to be honest. |
