What are the climax, falling action, and resolution in "The Lottery"?
The climax of "The Lottery" comes when the sacrifice to a worn and faded tradition is selected in the lottery; Tessie is the one selected:
"Tessie," Mr. Summers said. There was a pause, and then Mr. Summers looked at Bill Hutchinson, and Bill unfolded his paper and showed it. It was blank.
"It's Tessie," Mr. Summers said, and his voice was hushed. "Show us her paper. Bill."
Bill Hutchinson went over to his wife and forced the slip of paper out of her hand. It had a black spot on it, .... Bill Hutchinson held it up, and there was a stir in the crowd.
The falling action, which shows the consequences of the climax (and in a short story may be very brief) begins with Summer's instruction: ""All right, folks." Mr. Summers said. "Let's finish quickly."" It continues until people are all in possession of stones:
The children had stones already. And someone gave little Davy Hutchinson few pebbles.
It might be deemed that the next paragraph muddies the water, so to speak, between falling action and resolution. Jackson might have gone directly to the resolution at "Mrs. Hutchinson screamed, and then they were upon her," but chose instead to precede this with a paragraph in which the actions of characters clarify her authorial perspective. She thus draws out the moral of the story through dramatic reactions, satirical comment, and ironic juxtaposition though the following points:
- Tessie calls out, "It isn't fair.'
- The final resolution is hinted at when a prematurely thrown stone hits her head.
- Old man Warner, the antagonistic voice of blind adherence to form without reason, presents what is a heinous position: "Come on, come on, everyone."
- Steve Adams, the earlier spokesperson for ending the lottery ("over in the north village they're talking of giving up the lottery"), positioned himself in the fore-guard of the advancing villagers: "Steve Adams was in the front of the crowd of villagers, ...."
After thus clarifying her authorial opinion about blind superstition and belief, Jackson comes to the resolution in which the villagers descend upon her with the stones, all following the path of the first stone in the preceding paragraph: '"It isn't fair, it isn't right," Mrs. Hutchinson screamed, and then they were upon her."
What are the climax, falling action, and resolution in "The Lottery"?
The climax of the story is the drawing of the slips of paper and the "winner" Tessie was discovered. The falling action occured as the town gathered around Tessie to give her her "winnings" of being stoned to death. The resolution is when we leave the town, tradition completed, life returning to normal, and Tessie dead.What are some examples of irony in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
A further example of irony comes in the behavior of the adults of the village towards their children. Ordinarily, one would expect parents to protect their children from seeing and doing horrible things. Yet in the village depicted in "The Lottery," it's a different story altogether. The children are active participants in this sordid ritual, innocently picking up pebbles as if they were playing a game, when in fact they're going to join in stoning the sacrificial victim to death.
They are being blooded, if you like—inducted into the ritual to ensure that the tradition carries on long after the older generation has passed away. Far from being protected by their parents, they're being abused, their innocence as children sacrificed as much as the lives of the ritual's victims.
What are some examples of irony in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
First, let's define situational irony. According to literarydevices.net,
"Situational irony is a literary device that you can easily identify in literary works. Simply, it occurs when incongruity appears between expectations of something to happen, and what actually happens instead."
In other words, situational irony is when the opposite of what the reader expects to happen in fact happens.
1) The very first sentence of the story sets the reader up with expectations of a story about a pleasant day and a pleasant gathering in a village:
"The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green."
Everything in the sentence, all of the imagery and descriptions, gives the reader a sense of joy and happiness and growth. But this is not the story that is told.
2) The reader doesn't know what "the lottery" is, but the assumption or expectation is that it's a normal, joyful town event. Jackson writes,
"The lottery was conducted--as were the square dances, the teen club, the Halloween program--by Mr. Summers. who had time and energy to devote to civic activities."
So "the lottery" is being compared to other events that most readers will have experienced. But again, the reader will discover later that the lottery is nothing at all like such events.
3) Right before the lottery is about to begin, Jackson describes the following:
"Mrs. Hutchinson craned her neck to see through the crowd and found her husband and children standing near the front. She tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell and began to make her way through the crowd. The people separated good-humoredly to let her through: two or three people said. in voices just loud enough to be heard across the crowd, "Here comes your, Missus, Hutchinson," and "Bill, she made it after all." Mrs. Hutchinson reached her husband, and Mr. Summers, who had been waiting, said cheerfully. "Thought we were going to have to get on without you, Tessie." Mrs. Hutchinson said. grinning, "Wouldn't have me leave m'dishes in the sink, now, would you. Joe?," and soft laughter ran through the crowd as the people stirred back into position after Mrs. Hutchinson's arrival."
The words bolded in this paragraph, as well as the general casual and friendly tone, all set the reader up to believe that something pleasant or amusing is about to happen.
These are just three examples of situational irony. The reader awaits something good, when in fact at the end the reader learns that "the lottery" is a ritual wherein through a drawing, one of the village members is stoned to death by the rest of the villagers. Thus the complete opposite of what the reader expects, through the tone and language of the author, is what happens, which is situational irony.
Further Reading
What are three examples of figurative language in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
Figurative language is the use of words to express something more than a literal meaning. Shirley Jackson uses figurative language at several points in "The Lottery" to enrich the narrative and illustrate her setting more vividly.
The eNotes Guide to Literary Terms defines a simile as
[A] figure of speech that makes a comparison of two unlike things with the help of comparative words such as like or as.
The phrases "fly like a bird" and "as red as a rose" are both similes.
As the other Educators have noted, there is only one simile in "The Lottery," which comes before the official lottery proceedings begin. Mrs. Hutchinson has been speaking to her friend and leaves her to go stand with her husband.
She tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell and began to make her way through the crowd.
The tap on the arm stands in here for a more obvious form of farewell, like saying "goodbye." While in a literal sense, a tap on the arm is just a tap on the arm, in a figurative sense, Mrs. Hutchinson's gesture is meant to express an end to her conversation with Mrs. Delacroix and an indication that she is leaving.
The eNotes Guide to Literary Terms defines personification as
[A] form of figurative language that assigns human qualities or characteristics to something that is nonhuman (such as animals, inanimate objects, or ideas).
Expressions like "the wind howled" and "the brook sang" are both examples of personification.
Personification is used in a few places in "The Lottery," often to describe the mood of the assembled people. When Mrs. Hutchinson joins her husband, Jackson writes that
soft laughter ran through the crowd.
The laughter "runs" just like Mrs. Hutchinson walks, as if it is another person in the crowd.
After the lots have been drawn, everybody falls silent for a moment, in what Jackson calls
a breathless pause.
By describing the pause itself as "breathless", Jackson conveys the anxiety of the people in the crowd, who all hesitate before checking the lots they have drawn.
The eNotes Guide to Literary Terms defines a metaphor as
[An] implied analogy or unstated comparison which imaginatively identifies one thing with another.
"The Lottery" contains many metaphors, such as the following:
[the] tradition...represented by the black box.
The black box from which the lots are drawn is the oldest piece of "paraphernalia" pertaining to the annual ritual of the lottery, and it consequently stands for continuity. It is a physical reminder of the origins of the lottery, which date back to the founding of the village. The box itself is supposedly made up of pieces of the original box, which makes it a potent symbol of how long the villagers have been performing this ritual.
What are three examples of figurative language in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
Old Man Warner metaphorically represents blind tradition and the flawed nature of mankind. Throughout the short story, Old Man Warner expresses his displeasure with the other villages that have canceled the traditional lottery selection. He refers to the younger generation as a "pack of crazy fools" because they dismiss traditional practices. Despite the unfounded nature of the lottery, Old Man Warner refuses to eliminate the ceremony and encourages the villagers to pick up stones to hurl at Tessie Hutchinson at the end of the story.
Personification is a literary device where inanimate objects, ideas, or animals are given human attributes. Shirley Jackson utilizes personification by writing, "the breeze caught them and lifted them off" (6).
A simile is a comparison between two things, which are connected using the words "like" or "as." Jackson utilizes a simile by writing, "She tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell and began to make her way through the crowd" (2).
Further Reading
What are some literary devices in "The Lottery"?
“The Lottery” is told from an objective, third-person point of view. Among other things, this means that the narrator doesn't intrude into the narrative; she simply describes what's happening and lets the reader make up his or her own mind.
It also means that the narrator is not concerned with passing judgment on what transpires in the narrative. This is a particularly effective technique in relation to “The Lottery” as it serves to highlight what the townsfolk regard as the perfect ordinariness of their annual ritual.
The people of the town don't regard their ritual as the cold-blooded act of barbarous murder that it really is. To them, it's a perfectly normal, age-old tradition that they've been practicing for generations.
We are better able to understand such an attitude—if not to condone—because of the third-person objective narrative adopted by the author. Thanks to the author's descriptive, non-judgmental approach, we become anthropologists observing the strange cultural practices of some remote tribe.
The story's detached narrative also makes the ending all the more disturbing. It's the sheer normality of the sacrificial act—from the viewpoint of the townsfolk, at any rate—and its stark illustration of what the political philosopher Hannah Arendt once called the banality of evil that makes it so utterly horrifying.
What are some literary devices in "The Lottery"?
The author also uses symbolism. The black box into which the slips of paper are inserted is symbolic of fate and of the bizarre traditions the town follows. Though the black box is worn and shabby, the townspeople do not want to replace it. Jackson writes, "no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box." The black box represents the townspeople's stubborn clinging to traditions that don't make sense and that are, in fact, brutal. The stones are also symbolic of the hate that the townspeople direct to each other. For example, Jackson writes, "Mrs. Delacroix selected a stone so large she had to pick it up with both hands." The stones that people hurl at the victim are large, suggesting that the townspeople are filled with animosity.
The author also uses alliteration, or beginning words with the same sound. Examples are "tractors and taxes" and "black box." The use of alliteration makes these words eerily rhythmical and memorable, and the phrase "black box" in particular has a frightening resonance to it.
What are some literary devices in "The Lottery"?
Shirley Jackson uses imagery and irony throughout her short story "The Lottery."
The story opens with a strong imagery as the narrator describes the setting:
The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green.
By the end of the story, however, it's clear that Jackson intends for the quaint imagery to be read as ironic in contrast with the horror of the brutal murder of Mrs. Hutchinson, which tainted that beautiful day with blood.
In another instance, Jackson portrays this day as some sort of summer holiday. In retrospect, the children gathering up stones should seem disturbing, but Jackson's inclusion of the girls standing "aside, talking over their shoulders at the boys, and the very small children" who "rolled in the dust or clung to the hands of their older brother and sisters" provide an innocence to this scene. Again, the bloody ending makes this imagery ironic.
Jackson includes this quaint and seemingly innocent setting in order to demonstrate that anyone at any time can commit awful acts of evil if their society demands it. This theme was particularly relevant when this story was written, just a few years after the end of World War II.
How does the author use imagery in "The Lottery"?
Imagery refers to language meant to convey sensory experience. It can be visual (sight), auditory (sound), olfactory (smell), tactile (touch), or gustatory (taste). Shirley Jackson uses imagery to convey mood in this short story.
Initially, she uses visual and tactile imagery to set the scene and provide readers with a sense of the setting's beauty:
The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green.
We can imagine what the setting looks like as well as how it feels, and perhaps even how it smells, as a result of the description of the profusely blooming flowers all around. This imagery, however, also helps to lull readers into a calm, hopeful mood; this early, pleasant mood will slowly change over to a mood of dread, menace, and horror as we learn more about what the villagers are gathered together to do.
Later, we learn about the box used to conduct the lottery. The narrator says,
Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box. . . . The black box grew shabbier each year; by now it was no longer completely black but splintered badly along one side to show the original wood color, and in some places faded or stained.
More visual imagery is used in the description of the black box, especially concerning its poor condition (the result of its age) and the fact that it is black, which might signify some figurative kind of "darkness" associated with the box. The color black is also often used to connote evil, horror, darkness, and so forth, and it is certainly used for a "black" kind of purpose. The fact that people seem to be so superstitious about it, never wanting to change it out for a newer one, also seems somewhat troubling given its description: who cares about a box?
We can tell the the lottery is likely not something one wants to "win" due to people telling one young man not to be nervous and because of the hush that falls over the crowd. Happy people aren't hushed; they are loud and boisterous. Further, Tessie Hutchinson's protests that her husband wasn't treated fairly also provide a clue that one doesn't want to draw the marked paper. When he forces the paper from her hand,
It had a black spot on it, the black spot Mr. Summers had made the night before with the heavy pencil in the coal company office.
More menacing imagery—a black spot and even the detail that it was made with "heavy" pencil—affects the mood as well; the darkness and heaviness of the mark on the paper convey a kind of horror. It's as though Tessie herself is now marked, but for what? It can hardly be good, given the connotation of the imagery associated with the lottery. We can only await, with dread, the knowledge of what Tessie has "won."
How does the author build tension in "The Lottery"?
Using only subtle foreshadowing, Shirley Jackson builds tension by providing only sparse and seemingly harmless details without an explanation of the purpose or the methods of the lottery, and this ambiguity created by withholding information continues until the very end of the story.
In the beginning of the narrative, seemingly innocuous
actions are described that foreshadow what is to come, such as the children,
who are recently out of school, engaging in "boisterous play," as they still
talk of teachers and the classroom while they gather stones. The men come
together, only discussing planting and the rain and other farm-related topics.
Mr. Summers, who is described as "jovial" arrives with a black box; he is
described only as a man who has "time and energy to devote to civic
activities."
Further in the narrative details are provided are rather
foreboding and generate tension. For instance, when Bobby Martin, who has
already "stuffed his pockets full of stones," runs back to the pile of stones,
his father sharply beckons him to take his place between him and his oldest
brother. Then, when Mr. Summers requests help with the black box that he brings
with him, there is "a hesitation before two men...came forward"; furthermore,
while Mr. Summers mixes the papers inside this box, the box is described as
being so significant that it is kept in a safe the rest of the year.
After the introduction of the black box into the narrative,
the narrator mentions that there has been a "ritual" and ritualistic
proceedings involving salutes and songs before each head of a household comes
forward and draws from the box. But, as the "ritual" begins, people appear
tense and nervous, saying that other towns have discontinued their lotteries.
These details create further tension as they suggest that this ritual is not a
pleasant one. Then, Mrs. Dunbar, whose husband has broken his leg, says
"regretfully" that she must "fill in for the old man this year," and when Mr.
Summers asks if the Watson boy is going to draw for his mother and himself,
there is, ominously, no mention of Mr. Watson. Right before Mr. Summers begins
to read off the names, "a sudden hush fell on the crowd." Tension increases as
men move forward, but they grin at one another "humorlessly and nervously."
Certainly, the actions and speech of Mrs. Hutchinson, who repeatedly protests
that her husband's drawing was not fair, suggest that there is something
sinister about this lottery. Finally, there is a powerful indication of the
hideous intent of the lottery as Jackson writes,
Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones. The pile of stones the boys had made was ready....Mrs. Delacroix selected a stone so large she had to pick it up with two hands....
Still, it is not until the final sentence that the reader fully understands the purpose of the lottery.
What are some similes and metaphors in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
The only example of simile in "The Lottery"—and a particularly weak one at that—is when Mrs. Hutchinson taps Mrs. Delacroix on the arm "as a farewell." This could reasonably be interpreted as a simile in that two dissimilar things are being compared using the word "as."
In terms of metaphor, the black box used to draw the "winning" names represents death. Again, death and a black box are two completely dissimilar things, yet in the overall context of the story, the box is a metaphor for death because the unfortunate individuals whose names are chosen from it will be sacrificed as part of this annual pagan ritual.
Old Man Warner can be seen as a metaphor for unthinking devotion to tradition. At no point has he ever stopped to consider the sheer, unadulterated barbarism of the ritual in which he's been such an enthusiastic participant over the years. In fact, Old Man Warner has become so deeply attached to the lottery tradition that he thinks it outrageous that the younger generation in neighboring villages have started giving up the old ways.
What are some similes and metaphors in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
There are no obvious similes in the story, and there are no particularly obvious metaphors either. There are, however, some implicit comparisons which can be deemed similes and some figures of speech which might be considered metaphorical.
For example, commenting on how frequently the lottery seems to come around each year, Mrs. Delacroix says, "Seems like we got through with the last one only last week," and Mrs. Graves replies, "Time sure goes fast." The words "seems like" indicates that Mrs. Delacroix is comparing her impression that time has gone quickly with the time frame of one week. This simile helps us to understand just how short the year since the previous lottery seems to have been for those who have to participate in it.
Early in the story, Jackson writes that on the morning of the lottery, "the feeling of liberty sat uneasily on most," referring to the school children who had only recently finished school for the summer. They were not yet used to their freedom or liberty, and thus the "feeling of liberty" is said to have "sat uneasily" upon them. This feeling, of course, did not literally sit upon the children, but using this metaphorical language helps to convey the sense of weight and discomfort that the children felt. They had become so accustomed to the school routine that anything different felt at first unusual and uncomfortable, like a weight that's awkward to hold.
What are some similes and metaphors in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
A metaphor is a comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as."
The shabby and splintered box that holds the lottery tickets is a metaphor for the increasingly worn and outdated lottery ritual. The black color of the box can be compared to the darkness of the lottery, which ends in the death of a community member at the hands of his or her neighbors. The refusal to repair the box can be likened to the denial the village residents seem to be in about the lottery. Like the box, they are caught in a limbo between wanting to hold onto an outmoded tradition and knowing down deep they need to change.
Old Man Warner likens giving up the tradition of the lottery, which to his mind promotes social stability and prosperity, to living in caves, implying that the loss of the lottery would lead to barbarism.
What are some similes and metaphors in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
Shirley Jackson's writing style in "The Lottery" does not utilize much figurative language; there are no similes. However, there are a couple of metaphors in the protests of Old Man Warner.
Old Man Warner defends the existence of the annual lottery, disdainfully remarking "they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves" with regard to its critics. His exaggeration is a metaphor; he does not literally mean that the community will regress to that extent, but he clearly has strong feelings about retaining the tradition of the lottery.
Warner follows up his disdainful remark with another: "first thing you know, we'd all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns." Chickweed is, as the name suggests, a weed, or an uncultivated plant generally not consumed as food. Acorns are eaten by undomesticated animals, and this comment follows up on his idea that discontinuing the lottery will have a negative influence on the civilization of the community.
What imagery is used in "The Lottery"?
The imagery of the story tends to be employed through the use of synecdoche (i.e. the use of appropriately chosen small detail) rather than via comparisons (simile, metaphor, personification etc.) for the most part. There is considerable juxtaposition of different images within the story, for example the imagery of the setting is on a 'clear and sunny' day in June, something which is clearly meant to contrast to the deadly end of the story where Mrs Hutchinson is stoned by the other villagers.
The perverse nature of the tradition of the lottery is also carefully constructed through the detailed description of the box that is described as 'no longer completely black but splintered badly along one side to show the original wood' - clearly, this is meant to show a long-lasting and revered tradition which has passed down through the generations.
The tradition is at first left ambiguous to the reader and the image of the children at first emerging from the school house in order to select their stones is at contrast to the macabre end of the story - they cannot help, for example, acting in a chid-like manner such that 'they broke into boisterous play' moments before a ceremony which, as we discover at the end, results in the brutal execution of one of their number.
There are multiple examples of imagery used for characterisation such as, when the Hutchinsons have been selected, the description of the adolescent Bill Jr. with 'his face red and his feet overlarge' which careful expresses his gawky awkwardness and, of course, is meant to create tension about whether he is likely to 'win' the lottery - by this time we begin to get a sense of the sinister as we wonder and suspect what the stones maybe for.
Once Mrs Hutchinson is selected, one of the final striking pieces of imagery is the stone that Mrs Delacroix selects which was 'so large she had to pick it up with both hands'. Of course, this is meant to demonstrate the hidden malevolence at the heart of the village, that Mrs Delacroix selects a stone in order to do maximum damage with it.
How does the author create the mood in the short story "The Lottery"?
It is a bucolic setting of sunshine, rich green grass, and blossoming flowers that lies in contrast to an atmosphere of uneasiness in "The Lottery." This mood is generated through Shirley Jackson's depiction of the speech and actions of the men of the village, descriptions of objects (pile of stones, black box), and the connotations of names, such as Mr. Graves.
Despite the beauty of the setting, there is an apparent uneasiness in the gathering of the villagers. There seems to be some anxiousness in the men who stand together, avoiding the pile of stones which some of the boys have made and are now guarding. These men talk in low tones, "...their jokes were quiet, and they smiled rather than laughed." Then, after Mr. Summers arrives with the paraphernalia for the lottery, there is a "murmur of conversation" in the gathering of the villagers, who keep their distance from the items that Mr. Summers has brought. Mr. Summers asks for some help, but there is "a hesitation" before anyone steps forward.
When the postmaster, who is ominously named Mr. Graves, arrives with an antiquated three-legged stool, the villagers keep "their distance, leaving a space" between them and this old milking stool. A shabby black box which is splintered on one side is then placed upon this stool. At this point, the atmosphere becomes somewhat foreboding as it becomes apparent that the villagers display a certain anxiousness about the proceedings of Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves.
How does the author create the mood in the short story "The Lottery"?
The atmosphere of the short story "The Lottery" is initially normal and friendly. There is nothing peculiar about the people and how they assemble in the square.
The lottery was conducted—as were the square dances, the teen club, the Halloween program—by Mr. Summers.
The writer manages to create the mood by portraying the townspeople as ordinary families going about a typical day. The writer starts by describing the day, which is clear and sunny. She also reinforces the background by using positive references such as “fresh warmth” and “full-summer day” to create a lively atmosphere. The author places much emphasis on the people, and the actual nature of the lottery is withheld until the end of the story. The writer describes the children as jovial and engaging in normal childhood activities. The men arrive after the children, and they engage in normal talk about farming and taxes.
They stood together, away from the pile of stones in the corner, and their jokes were quiet and they smiled rather than laughed.
The women arrive last, and when they meet, they engage in gossip before joining their husbands.
From the title, setting and earlier progression of the story, one might expect a normal lottery with prizes for the winner. However, the story ends in the freakish murder of the singled-out individual.
In "The Lottery," what metaphors are used and how do they enhance the story?
A metaphor is a comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as." A metaphor often compares an abstract idea to a concrete object. We learn in "The Lottery" that the black lottery box
grew shabbier each year: by now it was no longer completely black but splintered badly along one side to show the original wood color, and in some places faded or stained.
The condition of the box—worn-out, faded, stained, and splintered—is a metaphor for the lottery itself, a ritual that has long outlived its usefulness and become worn and obsolete.
Although Mr. Summers talks about making a new box, nobody in the village wants to do so. Their unwillingness to change their lottery box, no matter how degraded it becomes, is a metaphor for their unwillingness to change the ritual itself:
Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box.
The box has no place in the community when not in use. This is a metaphor for the way the lottery itself no longer truly fits the needs of the community. Instead it is "underfoot," meaning "in the way":
The rest of the year, the box was put away, sometimes one place, sometimes another; it had spent one year in Mr. Graves's barn and another year underfoot in the post office, and sometimes it was set on a shelf in the Martin grocery and left there.
Old Man Warner scoffs at the idea of abandoning the lottery, saying:
First thing you know, we'd all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns.
Chickweed and acorns are a metaphor for becoming more primitive and going backwards by giving up the lottery, an idea that is ironic.
In "The Lottery," what metaphors are used and how do they enhance the story?
The whole story is allegorical; so it relies heavily on symbols and metaphors. The black box is a metaphor for tradition. No one really knows why it's black or its true origin--there are rumors that it was made from pieces from the precedingbox, but no one seems to no for sure. Tradition is the same; most people do not know why they do something from year to year but continue to practice whatever the tradition might have been because that's the way is always been. For most traditions, there are a variety of stories toldabout their origin, but nobody seems to be sure which story is the most factual. And most significantly, when someone suggests changing or updating tradition, his or her suggestion is usually shot down (just like the one to update the black box).
Another metaphor is the color black. It represents death and "sin." The box is black; Mr. Summers who proctors thelottery works for the coal company, and the mark on the slip nobody wants is black. Everything that is negatively associated with the lottery is black. Those who do not draw the marked slip, seem to be redeemed of their "sins," as their clean slips swirl around in the wind.
One can also argue that Tessie is a metaphor for a scapegoat. She has done nothing wrong, and yet the townspeople willingly stone herbecause they always stone the person who pulls the marked slip. Their clear slips are allowed to float away in the breeze (similar to their "sins"), while Tessie must be "punished" for the entire town.
As a whole, Jackson relies upon metaphors to demonstrate the power of tradition, the force of a mob, and the idea of a scapegoat.
How does the author use creative language such as imagery, symbolism, word choice, and figurative language in "The Lottery"?
In "The Lottery," Shirley Jackson uses imagery and symbolism to develop theme. At the beginning of the story, the narrator describes the little boys building a pile of stones, and upon the first reading of the story, the audience gets the impression that this image of the boys and the stones is simply child's play. Jackson continues to build these types of "ordinary" images to give the impression that the village is a place just like any other place. Later, the audience understands that the stones are to be used for stoning the "winner" of the lottery. One of the themes of the story is questioning the blind following of traditions, and Jackson wants the reader to understand that traditions are part of all cultures in all places, thus depicting the village as an "ordinary" place.
Similarly, Jackson uses symbols throughout the story such as the black box and the black spot to suggest the tainting that the tradition is implicitly having on this community. Many people in the village question the reason for the lottery, but symbols of the past like Old Man Warner convince the younger generation that their traditions define who they are.
What is the irony in the setting of "The Lottery"?
The calm and normal of this setting is what makes this situation seem so terrible.
It is the irony of the story that brings about a grander purpose. This isn't so much about a town wherein this vulgar act actually happens, it is more about us.
We have rituals or routines that we observe regularly because we are used to always doing them. To us, we cannot see the absurdity of these acts because we have been doing them for so long and in our lives' settings, these seem normal.
These folks can't see that the lottery is wrong. The setting perpetuates this because all of the acts that they do (wash dishes, enjoy the nice summer day, play by the rock pile, shoot the breeze) are normal. The lottery is just an annual part of that normal. The irony of this story is the literary device used to make the reader think and consider their own life.
What is the irony in the setting of "The Lottery"?
The essence of irony is opposition. The setting in Jackson's "The Lottery" is ironic because what the story suggests, and what the reader expects of the setting while reading (normal village with normal people who do normal things) turns out to be untrue. Opposition, or opposites.
The speaker of the story achieves this irony by revealing only the normal, until it is time to show the reader the abnormal. For instance, the reader is not shown character thoughts. If he/she were, the horrifying effects of the ending would be largely eliminated.
What is the irony in the setting of "The Lottery"?
The irony of the setting is that it is a lovely, peaceful village with all sorts of people who seem very normal. It seems like the kind of place you would want to live and the kind of people who you would like to have as your neighbors and friends.
But then, in this nice place, we find out that something horrible is going on. This is ironic because it is something that is totally unexpected. You do not expect to see something this horrible in such a nice, beautiful setting.
Are there similes and hyperboles in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
Similes are comparisons of dissimilar things using "like" or "as," and there are no obvious similes in Jackson's short story used as comparisons.
Although the narrative is mostly straightforward and the characters' emotions are mostly muted, there are a few hyperbolic, or exaggerated, statements made in "The Lottery." As the tension builds in the moments leading up to the drawing of names, people in the crowd express their apprehension with nervous small talk, such as the hyperbole of Mrs. Delacroix's statement to Mrs. Graves: "Seems like there's no time at all between lotteries any more."
When Mr. and Mrs. Adams quietly point out that the ritual of the lottery has been given up in nearby communities and is being considered in another, Old Man Warner's rejection of this idea is hyperbolic. He calls the other communities a "pack of crazy fools," and conjectures "next thing you know, they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves, nobody work any more..." Giving up a barbaric and terrifying ritual with an unexplained and likely superstitious rationale can hardly be reasonably equated with abandoning civilized living and finding purpose in life.
Are there similes and hyperboles in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
With hyperbole meaning an exaggeration that is used for emphasis or effect, the entire story "The Lottery" can be considered a hyperbole. For, the apparently simple story is actually an subtly inverted exaggeration of the underlying truth of Jackson's theme. Told with limited and banal description and without excessive emotionalism, Jackson's narrative points to the ordinariness of the cruel, violent, barbaric act of stoning that has somehow become a ritual.
e.g.
Bobby and Harry Jones and Dickie Delacroix....eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of the other boys.
Bobby Martin dicked under his mother's grasping hand and ran, laughing, back to the pile of stones.
...Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities.
There had been, also, a ritual salute, which the official of the loterry had had to use...
She [Tessie] tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell
Mr. Summers waited with an expression of polite interest while Mrs. Dungar answered.
"All right, folks," Mr. Summers said, "Let's finish quickly."
These examples exaggerate the seemingly simplicity of the annual ritual.
Also, with Jackson's limited description, there is a paucity of figurative language used. Here is what could be found:
She tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell.
"It's not [like is implied]the way it used to be," Old Man Warner said clearly. "People ain't [like] the way they used to be."
It is this lack of figurative language and its simple description which deceives the reader into believing Jackson's "The Lottery" a mild and simple tale. But, it is the hyperbole, the exaggeration of this simplicity is what shocks the reader at the end.
What is the situational irony in "The Lottery"?
In literature, irony is basic term for the difference between the way things seem and the way they actually are, or what the readers or audience expect and what they get. Situational irony is a more specific sub-category of irony; it occurs when the reader, audience, or characters expect one thing, but get another.
The general premise of "The Lottery," a short story written by Shirley Jackson, involves situational irony. In the story, the citizens of a rural farming village meet in the square in order for the town's annual lottery to be held. The name of each citizen is entered in the drawing, and a generally festive attitude seems prevalent until near the end of the story.
For the most part, readers assume that the "winner" of the lottery will earn some pleasant reward, or be given something good. However, the person whose name is drawn in this story (Tess Hutchinson) is stoned by the townspeople because they believe that doing so will ensure a good crop. Basically, their unwillingness to part with tradition results in an annual murder. This surprise is an example of irony of situation, or situational irony.
What are the allusions in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
The main allusion in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is where Old Man Warner makes the statement, "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon" (Jackson 3). Since the beginning of humanity, sacrifices have been made to make sure the harvest is good, or the rains come or for whatever reason. In Greek Mythology, people (usually young maidens) were sacrificed to appease the Gods. In the Bible, animals were sacrificed in honor of God. Human sacrifice was part of Aztec culture, who were afraid that without human sacrifice, their sun god would die. The Carthaginians supposedly sacrificed babies because they thought doing so would give them favor with their gods. The ancient Chinese also partook in human sacrifices as did several other cultures.
In "The Lottery," Mr. Warner alludes to the idea that if they give up the lottery, they will displease some god, and therefore their harvest will be poor. He looks at the lottery as something necessary for his community to continue to thrive.
What literary devices were used in "The Lottery"?
The story certainly makes use of irony. First, there is the situational irony created by the title and the references to the "lottery." When you think of a lottery, what comes to mind? Winning, right? Yes, we typically enter lotteries to win something that we think will make us happy or improve our lives. However, this lottery is not one that anyone wants to win, as the winner is sentenced to an immediate, painful, and gruesome death by stoning. Second, there is also the situational irony inherent in the setting, described as "clear and sunny" and "fresh," with "flowers [that] were blossoming profusely" and grass that is "richly green." One would hardly anticipate such a horrific practice to take place in such an idyllic and lovely place.
The lottery itself is a symbol, something that has both literal and figurative meaning. It symbolizes any tradition that people continue to practice regardless of the fact that it is known to have no practical value or purpose. There used to be a saying, "'Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon,'" and this might, perhaps, have given voice to a superstition that related the lottery to the earth's fertility and the harvest. At any rate, no one says this anymore. The black box used for the lottery is also a symbol relating to the same useless traditions. Because the box has become so dilapidated and damaged, "Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box." It, too, draws attention to the part of our human nature that abhors change and longs to continue what we have always done simply because we have always done it, even if whatever that tradition is should no longer be practiced.
What literary devices were used in "The Lottery"?
ome of the literary devices that come to mind are the following:
1. Foreshadowing. When the story opens boys are gathering rocks into piles. At the end of the story, we realize the purpose of the rocks.
2. Irony. The setting is an idyllic town where people are friendly, and the weather is
clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green.
This setting makes for surprising situational irony as it seems a most unlikely backdrop for the events that follow.
3. Symbol. The black box is a symbol for death as is the black mark on the "winning" lottery ticket.
4. Suspense. Suspense is created by the mystery surrounding the lottery. The reader must keep reading to the very end of the story to find out what the lottery is all about. This withholding of information makes the story even more intriguing. The lottery itself becomes a symbol for unquestioned tradition.
5. A surprise ending or twist. The "winner" of the lottery is actually a loser.
I hope these help.
What are some literary elements used by Shirley Jackson in "The Lottery"?
Shirley Jackson employs several literary devices in her shocking parable of man's efforts to disguise innate desires for violence.
Foreshadowing
Jackson uses subtle hints of the violence to come as she mixes the suggestions of violence with deceptively pleasant details. For instance, on the "clear and sunny" day of the lottery, the villagers gather in what seems like familiarity and friendliness. The girls stand aside, talking "over their shoulders at the boys" in their usual manner, while the boys break into "boisterous play." The men, who are farmers, stand around as they discuss "planting and rain, tractors and taxes." However, among these details, Jackson inserts a description of Bobby Martin as he stuffs his pockets with stones while other boys gather the "smoothest and roundest stones." Then, three boys make a huge pile of stones in one corner of the town square and "guarded it against the raids of other boys." This description of the pile and the guarding of it by the boys is not unlike the preparation for snowball fights. Thus, readers may be alerted to future violence. Also, in the New Testament of the Bible, there is a famous passage about Mary Magdalene (John 8:3-11), who was going to be stoned for her adultery. This passage is a story familiar to many readers, who would recognize the rocks in a pile as possibly meant for the stoning of a person.
Mr. Summers, "a round-faced, jovial man," arrives to oversee the lottery, and he tries to get things started. However, "the villagers kept their distance." When Mr. Summers asks, "Some of you fellows want to give me a hand?" there is "a hesitation" before two men step forward. These actions suggest that the lottery is not a function that is joyful or positive in its outcome.
Symbolism
Names are significant. Mr. Graves, whose name symbolizes the tomb, holds up the slips of paper. One of these slips has a black spot that marks a villager for being stoned. The box from which someone pulls these names is black, the color of a funeral drape. Also, Mrs. Delacroix's name has the French word for "cross" as part of her surname (Croix), while de la means "by the" in French. This name, then, suggests crucifixion, another form of punishment used along with stoning in ancient times. So, Mrs. Delacroix's name symbolizes death as well.
The three-legged stool holds the black box. Part of the ritual involves holding the black box on this stool as the paper is stirred thoroughly. The use of the three-legged stool underscores and symbolizes the idea of traditional beliefs. It also ties into farming traditions, as farmers used it when milking cows. Further, this antiquated stool acts as a symbol of historical and religious trios such as the Trinity and the Three Fates.
Stones act as symbols of man's innate savagery and inhumanity to others since they were among the first things employed as weapons. That the cruelty of the villagers is inherent is suggested by the fact that although many of the villagers have forgotten the ritual, and the original black box was lost, they "still remembered to use stones." In another example of the inherency of violence symbolized by stones, Mrs. Delacroix is friendly to Tessie Hutchinson as they stand together, waiting to know whose name has been drawn, but once Tessie's name bears the black mark, the primal savagery in Mrs. Delacroix causes her to reach for the heaviest stone she can carry. Further, in her bloodlust, she urges Mrs. Dunbar to "Come on" and "Hurry up" so that they can stand near the front and throw their stones.
Stones as symbolic of innate savagery and inhumanity to others is further suggested near the end of the story, as the children
had stones already, and someone gave little Davy Hutchinson [Tessie's son] a few pebbles.
Furthermore, Tessie's plea of "It ain't fair, it isn't right" is entirely ignored, as "they were upon her" in their savagery as they threw the stones.
What are some literary elements used by Shirley Jackson in "The Lottery"?
The literary devise known as denouement is used by Jackson to reaffirm her original purpose for writing the story. Denouement is recognized as the climax, turning point, or crisis of the story. This is the part of the story which reveals its innermost complexities. Tessie Hutchinson holds the paper with the black dot on it. She has won "the lottery", however what is going to happen to her is only part of the unraveling of the story. The full intent of the story only reveals itself when little Davey Hutchinson, the son of Tessie, is handed stones by another to participate in the killing of his own mother. Davey is too young to comprend what he is witnessing, and by the actions of another in assisting him to "murder" his own mother only contributes to the perpetuation of this ritual. Davey complies without question or reservation because he is young as does what he is told. This reflects Jackson's commentary on the dangers complaisancy can have on a society. If as a society we accept everything we are told without question, on some level we cease to exist as a "civilization".
What are some literary elements used by Shirley Jackson in "The Lottery"?
Another very prominent literary device, which I find more prevalent than irony, is symbolism. There are symbols everywhere in this story. I could not possibly name all of them, but a few are the black box, the black dot on the piece of paper Tessie draws, the three-legged stool that the box is placed on, the lottery itself, and the names of Mrs. Delacroix (which literally means "of the cross" in French), Mr. Summers, and Mr. Graves, along with Old Man Warner. I won't reveal what they each represent because I do not have enough space here LOL, but look at the section in this eNotes group on "Style."
What are some literary elements used by Shirley Jackson in "The Lottery"?
The most prevalent literary device is irony at the end of the tale. Throughout the story, the lottery taking place seems to be a sort of annual game in which there is a winner. Tension mounts when Tessie doesn't want to draw from the box, and the reader begins to wonder what the problem is. Ironically, the "winner" of the lottery is stoned to death in some sort of sacrficial ritual. It is significant that the story takes place in the beginning of summer. In ancient civilizations, ritual sacrifices took place at this time and the blood of the victim was poured onto the ground as an offering. This was done to insure a good harvest. The people of the town may be participating in a similar type of ritual given the fact that the box is old and beat up, yet they still use it. The lottery is so ingrained in their culture that they cannot let go of it.
How does the author foreshadow the twist ending in "The Lottery"?
Jackson's use of foreshadowing is powerful and well-played in The Lottery. Yes, as discussed above, the beautiful day and the seemingly innocent gathering of stones by the boys (notice that it's the boys who gather stones - something we'd associate with boys, not girls), and the general harmonious mood of everyone, definitely lead us to believe that something wonderful is about to occur. Further, Tessie Hutchinson's arrival and her seemingly scatterbrained attitude, mingled with excitement, further mislead the reader. However, Jackson also gives us other clues - the predominance of black (the box, the black spot on the paper, even the names of certain people), not to mention the general air of nervousness and discomfort among the villagers as the story progresses all serve as foreshadowing.
One of the most disturbing aspects is that at the end of the story, when the reader begins to realize that something is VERY wrong, someone hands little Davy Hutchinson some pebbles - the thought of a 4/5 yr. old child throwing stones at his mother is anathema to us as readers. Yet Jackson presents us with this line as a further foreshadowing of the horror to come, as well as a comment on how no one is exempt.
How does the author foreshadow the twist ending in "The Lottery"?
This is a great question - the shock in this modern Gothic tale lies in the "sting in the tale," which surprises and shocks us terribly the first time we read the story. Jackson of course uses this shock tactic to communicate her message about the danger of unthinking allegiance to traditions that can cause us to commit completely inhumane acts of barbaric brutality. However, on re-reading this story, it is well worth considering how she uses foreshadowing to achieve this dramatic ending.
Notice how Jackson deliberately puts us off guard by her description of the lovely summer day. This setting stands at complete odds with the violent conclusion to this story. Then note how the boys are mentioned gathering stones:
Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example, selecting the smoothest and roundest stones; Bobby and Harry Hones and Dickie Delacroix - the villagers pronounced the name "Dellacroy" - eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against hte raids of the other boys.
We associate gathering stones as a normal activity for boys to engage in - we never would suspect the brutal way that they will be used at the end of the story.
This is one of the first examples of foreshadowing that you would do well to think about and analyse further. You will also want to re-read the rest of the story and consider what hints Jackson plants that raise suspense and contribute to the shocking ending. Good luck!
What are three foreshadowing details in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"?
One of the great ironies of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is that what the lottery seems to be is so different from what it really is. We have some incidents that happen which, looking back and knowing what we know about the end of the story, we might have picked up on, like the piles of rocks. However, most of those are only knowable after the fact.
The first three indications we have that something is not right are these:
1. The people are hesitant to come near the black box and the stool, which are obviously part of the lottery process.
The postmaster, Mr. Graves, followed him, carrying a three- legged stool, and the stool was put in the center of the square and Mr. Summers set the black box down on it. The villagers kept their distance, leaving a space between themselves and the stool. and when Mr. Summers said, "Some of you fellows want to give me a hand?" there was a hesitation before two men
offered to help. First, everyone keeps their distance from the stool, and second, everyone is hesitant to touch any of the lottery stuff.
2. When all the preparations have been made, the lottery is finally ready to begin. If the lottery were a joyous occasion and something everyone looks forward to, Mr. Summers would not say this:
"Well, now." Mr. Summers said soberly, "guess we better get started, get this over with, so's we can go back to work. Anybody ain't here?"
This is something which must be done, "gotten over with."
3. Everyone is required to participate. Notice he asks if there is anyone not there; for a celebratory event, one would ask if everybody is here. So the final hint that this is not a typical lottery is that everyone has to participate. Janey's husband is unable to be there, so she has to draw for him.
"Me. I guess," a woman said. and Mr. Summers turned to look at her. "Wife draws for her husband." Mr. Summers said. "Don't you have a grown boy to do it for you, Janey?"
In a real lottery, a lucky winner's name or number is drawn; in this lottery, everyone has to draw a piece of paper. This is a clear indication that something is not right with this particular lottery.
What are three foreshadowing details in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"?
Foreshadowing exists when an author provides clues or hints to suggest events that will occur later in the story. In regards to Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," many events foreshadow what is to come.
-"Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones." The fact that Bobby has "already" placed rocks in his pockets shows that they will be used later in the story.
-"They stood together, away from the pile of stones in the corner." This illustrates that the rocks will be used for something negative. The villagers do not wish to even be near the rocks.
-"Black box now resting on the stool." The color black typically represents death. By the papers being drawn out of the box, each has the possibility of bringing death to the person who draws each paper out.
-"Mrs. Hutchinson said, grinning, 'Wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes in the sink, now, would you, Joe?'” This foreshadows that Tessie will be the one to "win" the lottery. Since she cleaned up her dishes, they will not be left in the sink.
Essentially, one looking to identify foreshadowing can go back after the initial reading and look for clues in the text which show what is to come. At times, this proves to be easier than identifying foreshadowing during an initial reading because a reader does not know what the ending will bring.
What are examples of humor in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
Surface level humor is hard to come by in this story. As the suspense builds, the reader discovers slowly and with horror that there is nothing humorous about this story at all. The entirety of the rising action builds up to the reveal that the people of the village are indeed about to stone a person to death, and that they have not even spared children from being considered as subjects of this ritual. Worse yet, they are doing it entirely for the sake of a superstition of completely unsubstantiated effectiveness. Indeed, the lottery showcases one of the most wretched tendencies of human nature, and was received with great disdain at the original time of publishing.
However, there is a dark, morbid, and subversive humor to be found within the lines. For instance, when one of the villagers scoffs at and criticizes other settlements that had "done away with the lottery," it brings to mind all of the ignorant people in life that become exasperated and ask what "the world is coming to" every time an objectively progressive step is made in human history. Indeed, it is the attitude of the villagers and how routine their attitude about the lottery is that makes the text humorous, if simultaneously horrifying.
What literary elements can be compared and contrasted in "The Lottery"?
I agree that the question could undergo some refinement. When engaging in any compare and contrast essay, there has to be two separate elements that are being analyzed. This means that you already have a great starting point in Jackson's short story. The next level needed is to find another entity to which you wish to compare it. If you would like to compare the society in Jackson's work to modern society, or set it against another work, these are your choices. Yet, I think that you will need to identify another element with which to compare the story. Once you do this, I think that you can move quite well with a compare and contrast essay, identifying particular points of similarity and specific points of divergence.
What literary elements can be compared and contrasted in "The Lottery"?
This really is a good story, isn't it? I want to clarify that it is a compare and contrast essay you are expected to write. That means you must discuss similarities and differences. I am wondering if you are expected to do simply a contrast, which should be easy.
The first idea that comes to mind is a contrast between how "normal" everyone seems throughout the story and the horror of what they are doing. There are many good details in the story to support this idea. For example, the activities of the town are quite normal. People cook, clean, work, and go to town events, just as they do anywhere else. The setting of the story is quite normal, too, for a small town in America. Notice the details given in the story about the setting. The way people behave is quite ordinary, too, up to a point! Of course, the horror of the story is in the details, too, but they are mostly at the end.
Good luck with your paper.
What literary elements can be compared and contrasted in "The Lottery"?
Your question is not all that clear to me, but I will take a stab at it:
- You could compare that society to ours. This story could be a satirical approach to any society. We do things just because we believe they will "produce a good harvest" no matter how immoral those things are. In addition, we do things because it is the ways things have always been done, even though times change. We also have certain processes and rituals to things that don't make sense. I think this comparison is your best bet. You might look up satire or allegory so you can use those literary words in a way that impresses your instructor.
- You could compare the different characters approach to the lottery. In great detail, Jackson describes the children, the wives, and the men. You could talk about the types of characterization, the mood as indicated by different characters' behaviors and internal conflict characters could be dealing with.
Good luck. Not sure if I took it in the direction of your assignment. Ask a follow-up if you need.
What is ironic about the conversation in "The Lottery"?
It is ironic that Tessie protests her own selection when it is probable that she has participated in these lotteries and executions before. It is also ironic, as noted in an exchange between her and Mrs. Delacroix, that she almost missed the lottery because she forgot that it was the 27th. There's even an exchange between Mr. Adams and Old Man Warner about some towns giving up the lottery, but they dismiss that as the crazy notions of young people who do not appreciate the traditions of their elders.
The most ironic part of all is an exchange between the townspeople in general as they discuss things such as the weather, their farms and taxes when they are about to commit a ritual human sacrifice. They don't regard stoning as barbaric--they consider themselves "civilized."
What is ironic about the conversation in "The Lottery"?
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery", the conversation takes on an ironic tone in at least two places. One is the commonplace tone of the talk of taxes and everyday life when a death is imminent.
Perhaps more ironic is that Mr. and Mrs. Adams casually suggest that it may be time for the community to quit lotteries with one of them even adding that some communities have already quit. They are, of course, opposed by Old Man Warner who says there has always been and should always be a lottery. Ironically, the text points out that both the Adams couple and Old Man Warner are up front participating in the communal stoning of Tessie.
What is an example of irony in "The Lottery"?
Another example of irony in Shirley Jackson's story which may not have been mentioned because it is not conspicuous is the fact that this deadly lottery is taking place in a part of the American Midwest and at a time when the vast majority of the population were devout Christians and regular churchgoers. Naturally they would have been taught since childhood that one of the Ten Commandments was "Thou shalt not kill" and that they should love their neighbors as themselves and do unto others as they would like others to do unto them. And they may have believed in these teachings and tried to abide by them for 364 days of the year--but on that one day in June they murdered one of their own neighbors in a most terrible fashion. The story has nothing to say about churches or church attendance; otherwise the storm of protest that followed its publication in The New Yorker would have seemed trivial in comparison to the reaction that would have otherwise occurred.
What is an example of irony in "The Lottery"?
The largest irony in "The Lottery" comes from the lottery itself. Usually most people view winning the lottery as a huge positive event; however, in Jackson's "The Lottery," the winner does not receive fabulous prize winnings. Instead, the villagers all converge on 'the winner' and stone him or her to death. From the moment at the beginning of the tale when the boys fill their pockets with stones, Jackson carefully builds on the tension of the outcome of the lottery all the way through the story without giving away the fact that the end result is a brutal stoning. Indeed, this is one "lottery" that nobody wants to win.
In which part of "The Lottery" does the author use irony, simile, and metaphor?
In Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance," he writes of the "opium of custom," a metaphor for the continuance of opinions and actions simply because they have previously been done by others of the same culture. With respect to Shirley Jackson's short story, there is also this "opium of custom." It is expressed by Old Man Warner who calls all those who believe in discontinuing the lottery "A pack of crazy fools," employing a more simplified metaphor than that of Emerson, certainly. However, the unstated comparison is apparent between the dissenters of the ritual and a group of foolish people who will want to live in caves and not work, as Mr. Warner elaborates.
Earlier, in the second paragraph the author Jackson commences the rising action of the plot with these words,
School was recently over for the summer, and the feeling of liberty sat uneasily on most of them.
The phrase "the feeling of liberty" is both ironic and metaphoric. The license to stone one of the villagers is being compared to "liberty" in a metaphor, or unstated comparison. And, the phrase is an example of situational irony because an event is about to occur that is directly contrary to the expectations of readers at this point.
Stated comparison between two unlike things using either like or as, similes are not prevalent in this story. One phrase that appears as a comparison between two unlike actions is this line from the ninth paragraph about Mrs. Hutchinson in which tapping on the arm is compared to a farewell,
She tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the armas a farewell and began to make her way through the crowd.
Ms. Jackson does not make use of much figurative language, choosing instead to use simplified language in order to disarm readers regarding the horrific ending.
How are characters described in "The Lottery"?
(a) the characters of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" are only slightly developed. In fact, there are rather nebulous descriptions and, at times, conflicting descriptions of the personages of her narrative. For instance,
While the reader knows the most about Mr. Summers, who has "time and energy to devote to civic activities," because he has no children; he is in charge of the black box, and is, ironically, a jovial man who runs the coal business in town and has a termagant for a wife. With the friendly unconcern of a salesman, he waves and calls to the townspeople, "Little late today, folks." Portentously, the next character, Mr. Graves, carries the three-legged stool on which the black box rests, much like a coffin. But, this is the only description. In addition, there is really little known about the thoughts of many characters such Mrs. Delacroix. But, above all, Jackson's minimalist descriptions of characters keeps the reader in the dark about what is to come, along with the neutral tones and words which the characters use that could be about almost anything.
How is irony used in "The Lottery"?
You have asked more than one question so I have edited it down to only one question, per enotes rules. However, this is a very interesting topic. Of course, irony comes into its own in this terrifying short story which has such a sting in the tail at the end of it for its readers. For me, the biggest form of irony that operates in this short story is dramatic irony, but dramatic irony with a difference. Normally dramatic irony operates when the audience and one (or more) of the characters knows something that another character or group of characters does not. What is fascinating is that in this short story, all the characters know what is going to happen - it is us, the audience or readers, who are deliberately kept in the dark until the very end. So therefore, the story achieves this surprise through a combination of dramatic irony and then situational irony, for we are surprised by the ending greatly.
Of course, looking back at the story after the first reading, we are able to pick up clues that we glided over before. For example, the reference to stones has a new, chilling meaning:
Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example selecting the smoothest and roundest stones; Bobby and Harry Jones and Dickie Delacrois - the villagers pronounced this name "Dellacroy" - eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of the other boys.
Of course, on first reading, we think that this is just some kind of childish game, and never would we suspect the real reason why they gather stones. Equally, Mr. Summers's speech about the Lottery and its importance, and why it should be carried on in spite of other villages abandoning it also assumes new importance.
The real sting in the tail comes at the very end of the story:
Tessie Hutchinson was in the centre of a cleared space by now, and she held her hands out desperately as the villagers moved in on her. "It isn't fair," she said. A stone hit her on the side of the head.
As the story closes with the village stoning her to death, we are left in a state of shock produced by the irony employed in this excellent, masterful and chilling tale.
What are the technical and dramatic climaxes, resolution, and theme in "The Lottery"?
The technical climax, in my opinion, is when the reader discovers that the Hutchinson family receives the tell-tale black spot. If the rising action focuses on the preparations for and the beginning of the lottery, then the technical climax must be when we discover who wins.
If this is the case, then the dramatic climax occurs when Tessie is the member of the family who draws the black spot again. The tension that the reader experienced throughout the text is finally realized when one knows the exact individual who wins. The reader can assume that the prize is an undesirable one based on the tense behavior of the crowd and Tessie’s immediate protests.
The ultimate resolution occurs with Tessie’s stoning, which includes a chilling description of her youngest son being helped to pick up some stones.
What are the technical and dramatic climaxes, resolution, and theme in "The Lottery"?
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery", the technical climax or the part where the narrative takes a dramatic turn is when Tessie states, "You didn't give him enough time to pick the one he wanted. I saw you. It isn't fair" At this point, we know that the lottery is definitely not something that we want to win. The dramatic climax is likely when the townspeople begin to pick up the stones after Tessie "won". Now we know what those rocks were for and we are fairly sure we know what they are going to do.
The resolution of the story is definitely not a pretty picture. Simply put: the problem is that someone has to die. The resolution is that someone does indeed die: Tessie. As for the theme, there are many, but my favorite is the one that shows society sometimes blindly follows tradition without asking why.
How does the author build tension in "The Lottery" and what is the story's climax and outcome?
There is a note of excitement in the air as Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” opens. Readers get the feeling that this is a special day, for the people of the town are gathering with anticipation. Let’s look at how the tension builds to its climax.
The townsfolk talk among themselves as they wait for the lottery to begin. We get the feeling that this is a day of interest if not celebration. Then Mr. Summers arrives carrying the wooden box, and the author takes a moment to describe the lottery equipment. Our curiosity is in full swing now, and we wonder what this lottery is all about. The “great deal of fussing” further increases the tension, and the people remember some kind of old ritual that is no longer practiced.
We do not yet find out about the nature of the lottery, though, for the narrator’s attention diverts us to the arrival of Mrs. Hutchinson. There are several matters of business to take care of, and Mr. Summers makes sure everyone is present. We still do not know what the lottery is all about. The townspeople talk among themselves as they draw their slips of paper and even discuss how some places have abandoned the lottery. Old Man Warner’s words show us how important the lottery is, but we do not yet know why.
Then everyone has drawn, and there is a “breathless pause.” The story is drawing near its climax, and we start feeling that this lottery is something critical. Then Mrs. Hutchinson realizes that her husband has the designated paper. Things progress quickly from here. We soon learn that the lottery is not something advantageous. We can tell that from Mrs. Hutchinson’s reaction. It is something horrible, something that she does not want. Then her name is drawn.
Herein lies the climax. The townspeople pick up their stones and prepare to kill Tessie Hutchinson as she screams that it is not fair or right. It is not, but they do it anyway.
What are some ironic elements in "The Lottery"?
As has already been pointed out, the entire story is dripping with irony. There is irony in the setting, in the character's actions and comments, and even in the lottery itself:
It is most ironic that "winning" has a cost, and the cost of winning the lottery is death.
What are some ironic elements in "The Lottery"?
It might be easier to say what isn't ironic about Jackson's classic story!
It is ironic that the children are feeling "liberty" when one of the town is about to be killed.
It is ironic that this killing ceremony is held in the same place and by the same person as the other "civic activities."
It is ironic that the lottery box is such a point of tradition (when it is an object of death).
It is ironic that the townspeople are so casual about where it is stored.
It is ironic that the people part " good-humoredly" for Mrs. Hutchinson when she needs to get through.
Old Man Warner's statement is ironic: "Listening to the young folks, nothing's good enough for them." Being killed isn’t good enough for them?
And of course, that everyone is so concerned about fairness when this is random death we're talking about, that too is ironic.
Greg
What is the symbolism in "The Lottery"?
"The Lottery" is a wonderfully dark short story. It isn't a lengthy short story, so the symbolism is somewhat limited. The stones themselves are often discussed as being symbolic, as is the black box.
The stones are a fairly straightforward symbol. They are symbolic of death and violence. That shouldn't come as a surprise, since the "winner" of the lottery is stoned to death. You could perhaps explore how the stones themselves are symbolic of mankind's deeper seated natural tendencies. Readers are aware that the people in the story no longer remember exactly why they do the lottery, but they definitely remember how to execute the lottery. Stones are a very primitive tool and weapon, and perhaps they symbolize mankind's inability to forget some of our primitive instincts/tendencies like violence.
The other major symbol in "The Lottery" is the black box. A reader could make an argument that the lottery itself is the bigger/better symbolic image, but the black box is a concrete object that I believe symbolizes the lottery and the lottery process itself. It probably doesn't matter which you choose. Both are symbolic of pointlessly following a harmful tradition for the sake of following tradition. Nobody remembers exactly why the lottery is held. They simply do it, because that is what was always done.
The chips have always been taken out of a black box. Why? Nobody knows. All they know is that this black box will determine who is going to die. They realize how illogical it is, and they know that other parts of the tradition have been lost; however, because the black box still exists, the lottery should, too, no matter how pointless or harmful it is.
My recommendation is to craft your essay around either or both of those symbols, but make sure to include quotes from the story that help deepen the argument that you are making. I would definitely look to Old Man Warner for some solid quotes on tradition.
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