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.
