During her short life, Shirley Jackson was a famous author. Jackson wrote several novels, including two best-sellers, one of which was nominated for the National Book Award. Her most famous book was her 1959 The Haunting Of Hill House, but her short story The Lottery, published in The New Yorker magazine, also made an impact on readers. Jackson’s novels incorporate both terror and humor as they relate to the human condition. Listen to an interview with Jackson’s biographer to learn more about Jackson’s life, the society in which she lived, and how her own background impacted her writing.
Story Length: 6:43
© 2016 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
12/24/2016
https://app.listenwise.com/students/lessons/499-shirley-jacksons-life-as-an-author
What is Ruth Franklin’s book about? Why did she choose to write it now?
According to the audio story, how did Shirley Jackson's childhood have an impact her writing?
What are the two sides to Jackson’s personality and writing? How are these alike and different?
How did the society in which Jackson lived influence the topics of her books?
Why is Jackson’s writing important today? Why do many students today still read “The Lottery”?
How does her writing connect with women today?
