Introduction
In literature, the main elements of works are the setting and characters, which establish the atmosphere and the central theme. While the setting is crucial for readers to set the tone, characters are essential to let the story develop. Some well-known short stories are “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson and “Swim Team” by Miranda July. However, the stories are short. The setting and characters create and reinforce the environments, whether the themes of darkness or loneliness are involved.
Characters
The Lottery
In Jackson’s story, the main emphasis is on the characters, who convey the chilling atmosphere and the dark theme. At first, the readers observe a village tradition suspiciously abandoned by other nearby communities. However, as the story develops, people’s behaviors become unsettling. Consequently, the audience learns about the tradition of stoning one person to death to ensure good harvesting seasons. As a result, characters play a significant role in the story and symbolize conformity and blind adherence to tradition.
Swim Team
Meanwhile, in July’s short story, the characters set the themes of loneliness and reminiscence. As the readers learn, the main heroine, Maria, teaches swimming lessons to three elderly people in Belvedere. However, as she moved, she had a different personality and life. The characters in the story are reminders of the past that play a role in Maria’s life, who reminisces about this experience.
Settings
The Lottery
As for the setting, Jackson’s story demonstrates a small, idyllic town on a hot summer day. Its role in the work is to set the tone of calm before the storm. However, the setting creates a juxtaposition to the final revelation of the lottery. As a result, it helps to reinforce the theme of darkness.
Swim Team
As for July’s story, the setting is a pool in Belvedere, where Maria used to live. The setting sets the tone of routine yet personal transformation, seen through juxtaposition due to a change of locations.
Conclusion
Hence, although the stories are brief, themes of loneliness or darkness are present, and the setting and characters create and reinforce the surroundings. The characters in Jackson’s novel receive a lot of attention because it is their responsibility to portray a menacing tone and a sinister topic. Meanwhile, the protagonists in July’s short story introduce the concepts of loneliness and nostalgia. Jackson and July’s stories create a contrast in the scene.
Loading...
