The Lottery, written by Shirley Jackson, is a short story that depicts a small town's annual tradition of selecting a member of their community to be stoned to death. The story centers on the town's casual and matter-of-fact approach to this gruesome tradition, as well as the gradual realization of the main character, Tessie Hutchinson, that she has been selected as the sacrifice.
Throughout the story, Jackson uses a range of literary techniques to convey the disturbing nature of the lottery and the complacency of the townspeople towards it. One of these techniques is the use of foreshadowing, as the reader is given hints about the ultimate outcome of the lottery throughout the story. For example, the fact that the lottery takes place on June 27th, a "clear and sunny" day, contrasts with the darkness of the tradition and foreshadows the tragic event that is about to unfold.
Another technique used by Jackson is the use of symbolism. The black box that holds the slips of paper with the names of each member of the community is a symbol of the town's adherence to tradition, even when that tradition is violent and oppressive. The stones that the townspeople use to stone the victim are also symbolic, representing the violence and brutality of the tradition.
Jackson also uses characterization to emphasize the disturbing nature of the lottery. Tessie Hutchinson, the main character, is portrayed as a typical housewife who is initially excited about the lottery and doesn't fully understand the gravity of the situation until it is too late. This contrast between Tessie's naivety and the town's casual acceptance of the tradition highlights the disturbing nature of the lottery and the lack of critical thought among the townspeople.
In conclusion, The Lottery is a disturbing and thought-provoking short story that uses a range of literary techniques to convey its themes of tradition, violence, and complacency. Through its use of foreshadowing, symbolism, and characterization, Jackson's story forces the reader to confront the disturbing nature of traditions and the dangers of blindly following them.
The Lottery Summary & Analysis
Shirley Jackson shows how important it is not to stay blindly loyal to the tradition and be open to changes. This classic story contains a twist ending as the victor of the drawing is destined to death by their own people, including their family and friends. Despite the fact that The original paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost long ago, Jackson 337 the tradition continues. Human beings are ruled by traditions and rituals. Like the peaceful setting, the villagers' casual attitude as they make small talk— some even cracking jokes—belies the violence to come. Generally, the short story reflects the societal malpractices committed by mankind to each other, as though they are ordinary events. The lottery is mentioned in the first paragraph, but not explained until the last lines.
Literary Analysis: “The Lottery”, Essay Example
Conclusion Generally, the unfolding of the short story reflects the way humans mistreat each other, presumably in conformation to cultural beliefs and practices. This type of warning at the beginning of the story is foreshadowing. The community uses the lottery to pick one person for a sacrifice. Old Man Warner is a warning. Delacroix selected a stone so large she had to pick it up with both hands and turned to Mrs. At the beginning, the story shows a relaxed tone, but it totally changes when the reader realizes what winning the lottery really means and becomes from a relaxed tone to an ironic tone. Also, you can find essay samples and take a.
"The Lottery" Literary Analysis Essay
The story sets in the morning of June 27th in a small town. The Role of Traditions Another vital issue that Shirley Jackson raised in The Lottery was the role of tradition. One of the starkest moments in the story is when the narrator bluntly states, "A stone hit her on the side of the head. Summer is warmth and life, however, it is ironic that it is Mr, Summers who officiates the lottery and performs the ritual every year. The lottery is conducted by Mr. The way that this sense of irony connects to the main theme of the story is that it shows how blind obedience to the crowd is often a path to injustice and tragedy. A wife and a mother, Tessie Hutchinson, is the one who gets the paper with the black dot.
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Analysis Essay
Yet, though times have changed and we all now know the story is fiction, "The Lottery" has maintained its grip on readers decade after decade. Jackson turns winning …show more content… She uses Mr. The reader does not know what prize people will be able to win. Old Man Warner even says Lottery in June, Corn be heavy soon. When this happens broken social systems, even ones which are cruel and dehumanizing, are able to continue despite the fact that their continuation provides nothing of merit to society.
The Lottery Analysis Essay
As the readers see in the story, the parents incentivize violence from a very early age. When Old Man Warner is called to select his slip of paper, he says that this is his seventy-seventh lottery. The lot falls on Tessie, the wife, and the crowd does their duty responsibly, surrounding her and stoning her to death. The boys in the crowd search for rocks to add to a pile on the side of the square. It seems to be a very family-centered village, as well as patriarchal, since the men were the last to gather around the ring, and the leaders and instigators were all men as well. Much of the original ritual of the lottery has been forgotten, and one change that was made was Mr. Summers reminds the Hutchinsons that they should keep their slips folded until each person has one.
The Lottery: A Setting Analysis Essay, The Lottery
These two short stories characterized many of the same elements, but also have many stark contrasts. However, it is too late. In the second paragraph, the readers learn that the children are the first ones to assemble at the square. Some villagers recall that there used to be a recital to accompany the swearing in, complete with a chant by the officiator. Summers asks—although he knows the answer, but he poses the question formally—whether or not she has a grown son to draw for her. Summers instructs the Hutchinsons to open the papers.
