Literary Analysis Essay of ‘the Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson
The Lottery is a short story by Shirley Jackson that depicts the unusual practice of a particular village. This annual celebration culminates with the lottery wherein an individual shall be selected and be subjected to stoning (Jackson 1). Initially, the story begins when the author introduces the preparations for the lottery. Here, the description of the author remains to be detached and acts as an observer of this event. Since the setting is not clearly specified, it depicts a certain form of anonymity. In addition, the story is depicted in a process where it begins with description, cultivated by anticipation of what the lottery is and concludes with the culmination of the event (Gahr 1). It is by reading the piece in the end where people are able to appreciate the purpose and significance of the lottery.
The story also presents readers with different themes. One valuable part corresponds to the role of family. In the beginning of the story, it presents families acting in different functions in preparation of the lottery. This shows the cohesiveness of members especially during the period of representation (Tibbett 1). However, there is also irony in this theme during the latter part of the story. In particular, it shows the betrayal of family members to the individual who was chosen in the lottery. These contrasting features arguably ties with the perspective related to blind submission to rules.
Another theme that can be seen in the story comes from the blind submission of people to rules. It may be true that rules remain to be essential in maintain order and stability however the situation presented by Jackson in the story demonstrates the extreme case of what can happen when people blindly follow tradition. Looking closely, the lottery remains to be an important event that are commemorated yearly by the people and it has never gained criticism except for the one who was subjected to stoning (Tibbett 1). Clearly, this shows that within the level of uncertainty created by the lottery, the choice remains to be final and brutal to the individual who shall be murdered.
The story can also be analyzed through the use of various symbolisms in the story. For example, the use of the black box represents both anonymity and power. It remains to be anonymous because it holds the names of people who shall be subjected to the lottery. Likewise, it remains to be powerful because it serves as instrument for those who will be saved and the unlucky one who will die. Another symbolism is the lottery itself. It shows how a common practice such as lottery can be utilized as a tool to mask violence and brutality of people. Even if it remains to be a random practice, the lack of hesitation of both children and adults remains to be shocking and terrifying.
Overall, Shirley Jackson’s story demonstrates the traumatic consequence of blind submission to the rules. Through the use of descriptive storytelling, Jackson is able to portray and describe the story as it happens and the shocking conclusion in the ending. It demonstrates that amidst the connections and familial values present among the characters, there are certain traditions that illustrate brutality and murder. These in turn create dreadful manifestation to readers as they uncover the inability of people to criticize the event and continue to patronize such inhumane acts.
Works Cited
Gahr, Elton. ‘A Careful Look at "the Lottery” by Shirley Jackson’ Bright Hub. 5 Jan. 2012. Web. Accessed 13 July 2014.
Jackson, Shirley. ‘The Lottery’ Middlebury.edu.1948. Web. Accessed 13 July 2014.
Tibbett, Amelia. ‘Literary Analysis the Lottery by Shirley Jackson’ Humanities 360. 17 Jan. 2008. Web. Accessed 13 July 2014.
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