If I do recall correctly, the last time I read “The
Lottery” By Shirley Jackson was in middle school. Back then, I remember that
this short story made a lasting impression on the thirteen-year-old me. Even
from the title, the plot line is inferred to be positive. This remains true
until the climax builds up and tension rises. Then, the rising action comes
crashing down, leading its string of unfortunate events. Then, I came to a
realization that the unexpected conclusion was actually hinted at all along.
The introduction of this piece begins in a very light
tone, narrating that the morning of the lottery was “clear and sunny, with the
fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and
the grass was richly green.” In the midst of the positive mood, a strange act
occurs with the children. The narration continues, including the detail that
“Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones” and “made a great
pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of
the other boys.” The initial thought of this behavior is taken lightly as it is
merely seen as “kids play” However, as the tension rises and the situation
becomes more serious, the reader begins to sense the pending severity of the event.
Then, when the lottery is chosen, “the children had stones already” and “they
were upon” Mrs. Hutchinson, the unfortunate lottery “winner.” The gradual shift
of mood and event is indicative of Jackson’s style in her short story, which
enhances the unexpectedness and adds an element of surprise.
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