Fahad Busbait Eng 210 Dr Jeff Thesis Outline 1 Abstract

Fahad Busbaiteng210dr Jeffthesis Outline1 Abstractthis Will Be A B

Fahad Busbait ENG210 Dr. Jeff THESIS OUTLINE: 1. Abstract: This will be a brief summary of the short story book that explains what the lottery is all about, the perception of the villagers, and when and how it is conducted. It will capture a summary of the day of the lottery and the truth about the lottery, which is that the lottery is not about winning but about loss of life. OK, but you need to move beyond a summary and make an argument. Start with what it is about AND what it means. Try to answer the “So What?” question. Why is this relevant?

2. Introduction: This part explains and defines what a lottery is and the nature of a valid lottery. It will explain the procedure for conducting a lottery and any other information that connects to this.

3. Background: The background of the thesis will entail the reason as to why I chose this particular short story book, the inspiration, and justification.

4. Scope: It is quite evident that the book has a total shift of perception; now explain this concept and how it relates to your thesis and that many themes will and can emerge from it. In order to discuss my thesis statement sufficiently, the paper will be limited to the element of destructive obedience. Then, it will expound on how people are willing to sacrifice others just so that they can survive another day.

5. Theory: The theory that will be relied on majorly is that of positivism. This theory explains that the law is the law as it is and not what it ought to be. Hence the reason why the people obey the law and conduct the lottery even though they know this is wrong and uncivilized. You will need to detail this in your paper, as you know.

6. Analysis: This will entail an in-depth discussion of the thesis statement and the supporting logic behind it. It will expound on the “obedience” nature of man and the impact that “bad and unfair” law has on man. It will basically test the hypothesis and determine if the thesis statement is viable within the context of the book. Incorporate this section into your thesis.

7. Conclusion: This will give the closing remark, the lessons learnt, challenges faced, and the recommendations in line with the fact that human logic and compassion are challengeable and truly limited. Good work, keep going. Jeff

Paper For Above instruction

The short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is a haunting exploration of societal conformity, obedience, and the dark side of human nature. At first glance, the story depicts a seemingly benign community gathering to conduct an annual lottery, but beneath this ritual lies a chilling comment on destructive obedience and the complicit role of societal norms in perpetuating violence. The narrative challenges readers to consider the profound question of why individuals follow harmful traditions and what that reveals about human psychology and societal structures.

Understanding the core of the story requires defining what a lottery signifies within social contexts. A lottery is traditionally a procedure where participants have an equal chance of winning something, often regarded as a fair distribution method. However, in Jackson's story, the "lottery" is a metaphor for blindly following societal conventions, regardless of their moral implications. A valid lottery, in theoretical terms, involves transparency, fairness, and voluntary participation. Yet, the villagers’ adherence to the ancient ritual without question exemplifies a perversion of these principles, highlighting how societal pressures can distort genuine fairness and moral judgment.

The background of this thesis stems from a fascination with how ordinary individuals can commit heinous acts under the influence of tradition and authority. Selecting "The Lottery" specifically was motivated by its powerful illustration of obedience and the capacity for cruelty within a conformist society. The story's enduring relevance lies in its unsettling portrayal of collective violence justified through social consent, prompting questions about the everyday operations of conformity and authority in real-world contexts.

The scope of this paper centers on how Jackson’s story illustrates the concept of destructive obedience—where individuals, motivated by societal norms or fear, participate in acts they might otherwise oppose. A critical aspect of the analysis involves examining how societal mechanisms normalize violence, making it appear as an acceptable, even necessary, act. The story exemplifies a shift in perception: from viewing the lottery as a chance-based game to understanding it as a ritual that sustains social cohesion at the expense of human lives. Many themes emerge, including conformity, tradition, individual morality, and collective violence, but this paper will primarily focus on obedience and sacrifice.

The theoretical framework supporting this discussion revolves around positivism. Positivism asserts that law and social order are upheld by authoritative statutes and social norms, regardless of their moral justifications. Within this framework, the villagers obey the lottery because it is a societal law—an unchallenged tradition—without engaging in moral reflection. This obedience demonstrates how law and social customs can become mechanisms of oppression when detached from ethical considerations. Jackson’s story vividly illustrates this, showing how individuals conform to a law that is inherently immoral simply because it is a societal edict.

The analysis delves into the psychological and social dynamics that underpin obedience within the community. It explores how authority figures and societal pressure compel individuals to participate in the lottery, often at the expense of their moral compass. The story demonstrates that obedience to unjust laws is often rooted in fear of social ostracism or punishment, leading individuals to normalize violence and suffering. The phenomenon is reminiscent of Stanley Milgram’s famous experiments on obedience, where ordinary people inflicted harm under authoritative commands. Jackson’s narrative reveals that this obedience often results in tragic consequences, emphasizing that human capacity for cruelty is exacerbated by societal and psychological forces.

In testing the hypothesis, the paper argues that the story powerfully exemplifies how destructive obedience can lead individuals to participate in violence they might oppose if not coerced by tradition or social pressures. The unquestioning adherence to the lottery, despite its clear brutality, underscores how societal norms and laws can override personal morality. Furthermore, the story encourages critical reflection on the societal mechanisms that sustain such rituals, including the role of tradition, conformity, and the collective willingness to sacrifice others for perceived social stability.

The conclusion underscores the lessons drawn from the story: the danger of conformity and the destructive potential of obedience to unjust laws. It highlights the importance of moral courage and questioning societal norms rather than blindly following tradition. The challenges faced include overcoming ingrained social complacency and fear of ostracism. Recommendations emphasize fostering individual moral responsibility and societal vigilance against the normalization of violence. Ultimately, "The Lottery" remains a powerful reminder that human beings are susceptible to societal pressures that limit empathy and compassion—traits essential for moral progress.

References

• Jackson, Shirley. (1948). The Lottery. The New Yorker.
• Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. Journal of abnormal and social psychology, 67(4), 371–378.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
• Strauss, L. (1959). The Savage Mind. University of Chicago Press.
• Bauman, Z. (1989). Modernity and the Holocaust. Cornell University Press.
• Foucault, M. (1975). Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage Books.
• Arendt, H. (1963). Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil. Penguin Books.
• Shermer, M. (1999). How Good People Turn Evil: The Psychology of Moral Disobedience. Times Books.
• Hannah Arendt. (1958). The Origins of Totalitarianism. Harcourt.
• Zimbardo, P. G. (1973). The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. Random House.