Analyzing the Use of Irony in a Short Story

Ninth graders examine how literature connects to real-life and see how irony aids in the development of theme. They read Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, and discuss elements of foreshadowing and situational irony. Then learners will write a composition explaining how the author uses irony to develop the theme. Next, the class will study a biography of Anne Hutchinson and relate this historical figure to the character Tess Hutchinson through writing a comparative analysis.