Michael D. answered • 10/10/20
MA English, PhD (ABD) Rhetoric & Writing Studies, professor, trainer
Brigitte, when you want to identify a predominant theme in literature, think about what sticks with you about the story. Chances are good that the author focused on one or more things with the intent of making a related impact on readers. What about "The Lottery" shocked you or surprised you or impressed you? Was it the emotions the townspeople or individuals felt (or didn't feel)? Did you see connections to how we administer justice in our society? How did you feel about relationships among siblings, families, neighbors, and townsfolk?
Choose one of these and think about the underlying messages the author might have been trying to convey. What specific things do you see (like a rock or a door or a piece of clothing) that might represent or symbolically stand for the theme you choose? How does that specific thing show up and play a role in the story, perhaps more than once? How does the author use it, describe it, or position it so the reader will notice it?
Think about setting in terms of place and also time. You could also consider the social setting, which refers to the community of people involved in the story. Setting can be very general (country/city, current/prior century) or very specific (the meeting place, the date and time of day).
Good luck! Let me know if you would like to meet to go over a draft of your response.
Michael
