Outline Template

Line of Inquiry:
1. Symbolism:
 What symbols are used in the stories and what do they represent?
 How do the symbols contribute to the exploration of the theme of the dark side of
human nature?
 How does the use of symbolism affect the reader's interpretation of the stories?
2. Irony:
 What types of irony are used in the stories and how are they employed?
 How does the use of irony contribute to the exploration of the theme of the dark side
of human nature?
 How does the use of irony affect the reader's interpretation of the stories?
3. Characterization:
 How are the characters in the stories portrayed?
 How do the characters contribute to the exploration of the theme of the dark side of
human nature?
 How does the use of characterization affect the reader's interpretation of the stories?
Thesis: "Through the use of symbolism, irony, and characterization, Shirley Jackson's short
stories 'The Possibility of Evil' and 'The Lottery' explore the theme of the dark side of human
nature, revealing the inherent evilness and cruelty that can be masked by tradition and social
norms."
Three or four claims that Content evidence (quotes, Authorial Choices evidence (tone,
develop your line of plot, themes, characters) figurative language, chronology,
inquiry: that support your claims: imagery, graphics, etc.) that
support your claim:
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Claim 1:
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Claim 2:
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Claim 3:
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Claim 4:  

How do these claims help How does the content How do the literary features help
you answer the question? help answer the question? answer the question?