Introduction
Shirley Jackson’s short story, The Lottery, has captivated readers for decades. Despite its seemingly ordinary small-town setting, Jackson masterfully crafts a narrative that reveals human nature’s dark and unsettling aspects. This analysis argues that Shirley Jackson’s story illustrates the dangers of unthinkingly following tradition, revealing the unsettling consequences of conformity and the dark side of human nature.
Themes of Tradition and Conformity
The story’s core theme centers on mindlessly following traditions and societal norms without questioning their rightness. In the narrative, folks from the town gather yearly for a traditional lottery, which they believe is vital for the town’s well-being. This tradition runs deep, and nobody challenges it, even if it is potentially harmful. This theme underscores how people often accept and carry on harmful practices merely because they have been passed down over generations, highlighting the dangers of conformity. Tradition can lock people into a cycle of thoughtlessness, making us repeat harmful actions without even realizing it.
Symbolism of the Lottery
The lottery itself serves as a powerful symbol in the story. Initially, the reader may associate a lottery with excitement and the possibility of winning something valuable. However, in this context, the lottery symbolizes the arbitrary nature of violence and the cruelty lurking beneath seemingly ordinary communities’ surface (Sari & Tur, 2019). The stoning of the lottery “winner” starkly contrasts with the expectation of winning a prize, emphasizing the theme that conformity to tradition can lead to horrifying consequences.
Characterization of Tessie Hutchinson
Tessie Hutchinson, one of the story’s main characters, undergoes significant characterization throughout the narrative. Initially, she seems like an average, unremarkable townsperson who eagerly participates in the lottery. However, as the story progresses and she realizes her family has been chosen, her attitude shifts dramatically. Tessie’s transformation from conformity to desperation and self-preservation reflects the disturbing impact that tradition can have on individuals. Her pleas for mercy and her ultimate fate highlight the brutality of the lottery and serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of unquestioning obedience.
The Mundane Setting and Shocking Revelation
Jackson’s quaint, ordinary, small-town setting adds to the story’s impact. The story’s atmosphere is deceptively calm and familiar, lulling the reader into a false sense of security. This ordinary backdrop makes the shocking revelation of the lottery’s true nature even more unsettling (Sari & Tur, 2019). It serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly peaceful and traditional places can harbor dark secrets and cruelty.
The Role of Irony
Irony is a big deal in The Lottery. The title makes it sound happy, but the ending is the opposite. Jackson uses dramatic irony, where we know more than the characters. It makes us anxious because we know something wrong is coming, but the folks in the story are clueless (Sari & Tur, 2019). This difference between the title and what happens shows how traditions can trick us and why just going along can be risky.
Conclusion
In The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, the author digs deep into themes like tradition, fitting in, and the not-so-nice part of people. Using symbols, characters, and irony, Jackson makes a strong story that makes one think about what happens when people do what everyone else does and how regular folks can be mean sometimes. The story sticks with the reader because it makes one uncomfortable and makes the brain work, reminding one not to mindlessly follow old ways without thinking about it.
Reference
Sari, F. A., & Tur, A. P. A. (2019). Reshaping the Society Face through The Culture of Horror Told in Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery. Notion, 1(1), 1. Web.
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