The Analysis of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"

Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is a short story that has become a classic in American literature due to its portrayal of the dark aspects of human nature. In this essay, I will analyze the literary elements, themes, and symbolism in the story, as well as the literary techniques utilized by Jackson to enhance the meaning and impact of her work.

Literary Elements

A. Setting

The setting of "The Lottery" is a fictional village that is described in great detail by the author. Jackson paints a picture of a peaceful and idyllic community where "the flowers were blooming profusely, and the grass was richly green." However, as the story progresses, the reader realizes that the picturesque landscape serves as a facade for the horror that the villagers are about to experience.

The town's peaceful appearance also serves to create a stark contrast to the violence that occurs when the winner of the lottery is stoned to death. As such, the setting creates a foreboding atmosphere that enhances the overall meaning of the story.

B. Characters

The main characters in "The Lottery" are Tessie Hutchinson, Mr. Summers, and Mr. Graves. Tessie is the victim who is stoned to death at the end of the story. Mr. Summers is the organizer of the lottery, and Mr. Graves is his assistant. Each character plays a significant role in the story, with Tessie representing the common person who falls prey to evil traditions, and Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves personifying those who are in power and who enforce those traditions.

C. Plot

The plot of "The Lottery" revolves around the annual tradition of the lottery, where everyone in the village draws slips of paper to determine who will be stoned to death. The lottery process is depicted as orchestrated, with each citizen participating willingly and even eagerly.

The climax of the story occurs when Tessie becomes the chosen one and is subsequently killed by the villagers, including her own family members. The plot structure builds suspense through the gradual revelation of details about the tradition, leading to the violent and horrifying ending.

Themes and Symbolism

A. Theme of tradition and ritual

The theme of tradition and ritual is central to "The Lottery." The story examines the dangers of blindly following age-old customs without questioning their validity or moral implications. For example, the villagers adhere to the lottery tradition without understanding its origins or purpose, illustrating how entrenched and unquestioned customs can lead people to commit heinous acts.

The black box and the stones, which are central to the lottery, are symbolic of the tradition itself and the way in which it has been passed down, without question, from one generation to the next. The box, which is old and worn, represents the weight of tradition. In comparison, the stones are new and shiny, symbolizing the villagers' willingness to take part in the brutal acts dictated by tradition without questioning them.

B. Theme of violence and cruelty

"The Lottery" is a shocking portrayal of violence and cruelty. The lottery process itself is brutal, with everyone participating in the draw, including children and the elderly. Even Tessie's own family members participate in her stoning, highlighting the destructive influence of conformity and the herd mentality, where people are willing to do the unthinkable to fit in with the social group.

The stoning can be interpreted as symbolic of the horrors that can occur when people blindly follow tradition or authority figures. It is also a commentary on the cruel and inhumane treatment that humans can inflict on each other when they are put in positions of power or privilege over others.

C. Theme of conformity and peer pressure

Another theme that is central to "The Lottery" is conformity and peer pressure. The villagers are all too eager to participate in the lottery, even when they know what the outcome will be. This is due to the pressure they face from their peers, as well as their desire to conform to social norms and expectations. The psychological implications of conformity are clear in the story, with those who refuse to participate in the lottery, such as Old Man Warner, being ostracized and ridiculed by their fellow villagers.

Literary Analysis Techniques

A. Foreshadowing

Jackson employs several instances of foreshadowing in "The Lottery" to enhance suspense and create a more meaningful story. For example, she mentions early on that the villagers were gathering rocks, and also makes reference to the previous year's lottery, where a woman was severely injured. These details add to the ominous atmosphere of the story, alerting the reader that something terrible is about to happen.

B. Irony

The irony in "The Lottery" creates a powerful contrast between what the reader expects to happen and what actually occurs. For instance, the title of the story itself is ironic, as it suggests that the winner of the lottery will receive some kind of prize or reward, when in reality, the prize is death. Similarly, the villagers' peaceful demeanor and the setting's idyllic beauty stand in stark contrast to the brutality of the stoning, emphasizing the sinister underbelly of human nature and the potential for evil that exists in all people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is a masterful work of fiction that uses literary elements, themes, symbolism, and literary techniques to create a powerful and timeless story. The story examines the dangers of tradition and conformity and highlights the potential for violence and cruelty that exists in all people. Through the use of foreshadowing and irony, Jackson creates a tale that is both suspenseful and disturbing. "The Lottery" has become a classic in American literature, and its message and themes are as relevant today as they were when Jackson wrote it over seventy years ago.

References

1. Jackson, Shirley. "The Lottery." The New Yorker, 1948, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1948/06/26/the-lottery.
2. Salvaggio, Ruth. "The Lottery." Masterplots, 4th Edition, 2010. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mih&AN=20104763&site=eds-live&scope=site.
3. Baxter, Karen. "Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery': A Critically Annotated Bibliography." BiblioVault, 2007.