Point of View in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"

"The Lottery" is a widely studied short story by Shirley Jackson that explores the dark side of human nature and the dangers of blindly following tradition. The story is written in the third person point of view, which allows the readers to observe the characters' actions and thoughts from an external perspective. Through this narrative technique, Jackson effectively conveys the theme of conformity and the power of collective mentality. This essay will analyze the point of view in "The Lottery," highlighting its impact on the story and its implications for the readers.

The Third Person Point of View

Throughout "The Lottery," Shirley Jackson employs the third person point of view, providing an objective and detached perspective on the events unfolding in the story. The narrator remains an outside observer, allowing readers to witness the disturbing ritual of the lottery from a distance. This narrative choice enhances the sense of suspense and tension, as readers are not directly connected to any specific character but can see the unfolding events with a broader scope.

For instance, when the lottery begins, the narrator describes the townspeople gathering in the square: "The people began to gather in the square, between the post office and the bank, around ten o'clock; in some towns there were so many people that the lottery took two days" (Jackson 1). By presenting this information from an external perspective, Jackson creates a sense of anticipation and curiosity in the readers' minds. The third person point of view also allows for the inclusion of multiple characters' reactions and thoughts, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the community's dynamics.

Furthermore, the third person point of view in "The Lottery" enables the readers to witness the characters' actions and emotions without being influenced by their subjective experiences. This narrative choice highlights the collective mentality of the townspeople, as they blindly follow the tradition of the lottery without questioning its purpose or consequences. The readers, being detached observers, can more easily recognize the absurdity of the ritual and the dangers of conformity.

Implications of the Third Person Point of View

The use of the third person point of view in "The Lottery" serves to emphasize the theme of conformity and the dangers of unquestioningly accepting societal norms. By remaining objective, the narrator allows readers to evaluate the characters' actions and beliefs critically. The story challenges the readers to reflect on their own participation in collective rituals and the potential harm they may cause.

Moreover, the third person point of view effectively creates a sense of unease and suspense throughout the story. Readers are kept at a distance from the characters, preventing them from forming a deep emotional connection. This detachment intensifies the shock and horror when the true nature of the lottery is revealed at the end. The readers, like the townspeople, are confronted with their own complicity in the violence and are forced to confront the dark side of human nature.

Additionally, the third person point of view allows for the inclusion of subtle hints and foreshadowing throughout the story. Jackson strategically places clues that suggest the sinister nature of the lottery, such as the children gathering stones and the mention of other towns abandoning the practice. These details, presented objectively, encourage readers to question and analyze the events, leading to a deeper understanding of the story's underlying themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is written in the third person point of view, which enables readers to observe the events and characters from an external perspective. This narrative choice enhances the suspense, emphasizes the theme of conformity, and encourages critical reflection. By maintaining a formal and academic tone, this essay has analyzed the implications of the third person point of view in "The Lottery," highlighting its impact on the story and its implications for the readers. Through this analysis, readers are prompted to question their own participation in societal rituals and consider the dangers of blindly following tradition.