Shirley Jackson Ritual

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Old Time Rituals and Traditions The short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson is about a shocking tradition that takes place in a small American village. She writes this story to send the message that old-fashioned attitude and values are important in societies. People resist change and follow thoughtlessly the models of their ancestors. One tradition of the villagers is called the lottery, it takes place every year in “the morning of June 27th,” is based on a drawing which has been practiced by every member of the village for as long as everyone can remember (Jackson 213). Throughout Jackson’s “The Lottery”, literary elements of symbolism, irony, and tone reveal the author’s perspective on the theme of rituals and traditions.…show more content…
The setting of the story supports the hypocrisy, brutality, and evil of human nature. The day begins as a normal day, the weather is great, everything indicates a happy event is about to take place as “the people of the village began to gather in the square, between the post office and the bank” for the lottery (Jackson 213). The readers figured out that the day was all but great and there was about to be a change in the mood of the story. Tessie Hutchinson arrived that morning laughing and acting very cheerful. She told Mrs. Delacroix that she “clean forgot what day it was” (Jackson 215). Mrs. Hutchinson’s whole attitude changed when she found out she was the winner of the lottery. She immediately began telling the villagers “It isn’t fair!” when she drew the paper with the black dot (Jackson 218). It was ironic how Tessie was in a good mood until her name was announced, and then her attitude quickly changed to despair. Jackson used irony when she chose the title “The Lottery”. The title leads readers to believe the story is going to be about a pleasant experience in which someone wins something great. Ultimately, the lottery winner is the person who is chosen to be stoned to death. Jackson’s use of irony was used to set the theme, create suspense, and finally, prepares the reader for the shocking
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