Which work had some meaning to your own life? Why?
I personally relate to Salvation a lot because I have struggled with defining my religious identity. I grew up in a Christian household and attended church every Sunday. For my siblings and many of my friends from church, this was something we silently went through. My sister told me on the day she was baptized that she was disappointed because she didn’t feel any different. It was interesting to read about something that was almost an exact reflection of my experience.
Which work changed your perspective or any long-held ideas you may have had? Explain.
Reading The Lottery caused me to think a lot about the power of tradition. I think my ideas regarding conviction have strengthened a lot as a result. Within a democratic system, every voter possesses the power to decide which policies they support and stand against. But, to truly generate change, sitting back and voting does not get you far. Even with a leader who is willing to spearhead a movement, often it will be opposed purely to maintain habit. I think there is a responsibility for citizens, especially within a country that espouses free speech, to voice contrasting viewpoints and have political discussion.Without these, it is impossible for a democracy to properly function.
For you, which writer do you feel has the most appealing writing style? Why?
Shakespeare’s writing has always been a mystery to me. I admire poetry as a general medium of expression because being so effective in communication with so much restriction is inconceivable to me. His writing flows so beautifully and his ability to create meaningful work both in his sonnets and his plays while holding himself to these restrictions is amazing.
