Child negligence may result in adverse effects on the adolescents victimized by acts of neglect. “The Lottery,” written by Elizabeth Bishop explicates the chronicle of two brother’s untimely demise. Cato and Emerson, biological brothers, face cruel neglect from their stepmother in many instances. Throughout the story, Elizabeth Bishop incorporates a variety of literary techniques in order to describe Cato and Emerson’s experiences. She especially focuses on utilizing motifs. Within the comprehension of motifs, other techniques like archetypes and symbolism must be referenced. In literature, motifs are recurring and repeating themes or ideas. Ideas are represented through the use of symbols or images in symbolism. An archetype is a common
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The idea of the “cold” symbolizes the lack of love and affection Cato and Emerson are given by their stepmother. Furthermore, the “cold” symbolizes a sense of emptiness and hollowness that exists in the household dynamics in the story. Meaning that the cold represents the lack of love, affection and peace within the family described in the story. As Emerson, Cato, their stepmother and stepsisters dine on dinner, Elizabeth Bishop explains how they eat in silence. The text states, “They ate in silence, except for the mother’s endearments to Gracie Bell” (Bishop 288) Bishop explains the setting in the lines “It was December and frightfully cold. The children had been put outdoors by their mother, who was in a fit of temper because they got in her way while she was still preparing for supper. Bundled up in mackinaws, with icy hands” (Bishop 287) “The Farmer’s Children” takes place during December in which temperatures are frigid and old. The stepmother disregards and neglects Cato and Emerson’s possible negative reactions to the frigid cold. She does not acknowledge that Cato and Emerson could possibly freeze, as Bishop then goes on to say “with icy hands” explaining how in this type of weather, the brother’s limbs begin to chill under such conditions.
The idea of the “cold” symbolizes the lack of love and affection Cato and Emerson are given by their stepmother. Furthermore, the “cold” symbolizes a sense of emptiness and hollowness that exists in the household dynamics in the story. Meaning that the cold represents the lack of love, affection and peace within the family described in the story. As Emerson, Cato, their stepmother and stepsisters dine on dinner, Elizabeth Bishop explains how they eat in silence. The text states, “They ate in silence, except for the mother’s endearments to Gracie Bell” (Bishop 288) Bishop explains the setting in the lines “It was December and frightfully cold. The children had been put outdoors by their mother, who was in a fit of temper because they got in her way while she was still preparing for supper. Bundled up in mackinaws, with icy hands” (Bishop 287) “The Farmer’s Children” takes place during December in which temperatures are frigid and old. The stepmother disregards and neglects Cato and Emerson’s possible negative reactions to the frigid cold. She does not acknowledge that Cato and Emerson could possibly freeze, as Bishop then goes on to say “with icy hands” explaining how in this type of weather, the brother’s limbs begin to chill under such conditions.