Question

Which character in this excerpt is in conflict with society, and why? A. Joe Summers is in conflict with society because he is joking with the villagers. B. Old Man Warner is in conflict with society because he believes that young folks have crazy ideas. C. Mrs. Adams is in conflict with society because she says some villages have stopped holding lotteries. D. Mr. Adams is in conflict with society because he is standing with the villager who represents society’s old ways.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Mrs. Adams is in conflict with society because she says some villages have stopped holding lotteries.

Explanation:

The given excerpt from Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery" shows the scene where all of the villagers were together to cast lots about who was to be chosen the "winner" of that year's lottery. The practice of this barbaric stoning to death of the "winner" seems like an annual ritual to them though they hardly ever remember why or how it came up to be.

In the excerpt, the conflict between a person and society is seen when someone seems to criticize what is happening in the society or talks against it. And when Mrs. Adams remarked that some villagers had stopped holding the lotteries, she is in direct conflict against the practice/society. This shows that she may have also deemed it unnecessary, but given the patriarchal society she's living in, her voice or opinion hardly matters to anyone. This is also quite evident when Old Mister Warner immediately retorted "Pack of young fools." The conflict with society collides with the need to preserve the practice, thus leading to Mrs. Adams' comment as something bad or working against the very nature of the traditional lottery.

Answer 2

Answer:

C.

Explanation:

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