In “The Lottery,” by Shirley Jackson, a third person objective point of view is utilized throughout the entire story. The author applies this view point to show her perspective on traditions of society. As an outsider looking in, the author reveals to the reader the insensitivity and selfishness of humans to explain the blindness of society to outdated, barbaric traditions.
The author avoids leading the reader into the minds of anyone in the village. We solely hear commentary and actions of the villagers. Prior to the lottery, Mr. Summers remarks, “‘Guess we better get started, get this over with, so’s we can go back to work.’” (411). Mr. Summers and everyone else will resume normal life after stoning a human being. This commentary explains the inhumanity of the town. These people are not exposed to the horrors of the stoning because they were misguided by the sense of obligation, so they blindly followed the leader, or creator, of the lottery. The lottery has become such a ritual, it no longer carries any value or meaning. …show more content…
If any of them do, they do not speak up about it, and they still throw a stone at Mrs. Hutchinson. Jackson intends for the reader to be shocked because no one is speaking up about an act that our society sees as criminal. At the time, America had many traditions that were no longer necessary and may have even caused harm, yet many did not see the flaws in them because they blindly followed the example of those who told them it was justified. The lack of thoughts of the villagers and the disturbing commentary shows the ignorance of those following a tradition without thinking for
The author avoids leading the reader into the minds of anyone in the village. We solely hear commentary and actions of the villagers. Prior to the lottery, Mr. Summers remarks, “‘Guess we better get started, get this over with, so’s we can go back to work.’” (411). Mr. Summers and everyone else will resume normal life after stoning a human being. This commentary explains the inhumanity of the town. These people are not exposed to the horrors of the stoning because they were misguided by the sense of obligation, so they blindly followed the leader, or creator, of the lottery. The lottery has become such a ritual, it no longer carries any value or meaning. …show more content…
If any of them do, they do not speak up about it, and they still throw a stone at Mrs. Hutchinson. Jackson intends for the reader to be shocked because no one is speaking up about an act that our society sees as criminal. At the time, America had many traditions that were no longer necessary and may have even caused harm, yet many did not see the flaws in them because they blindly followed the example of those who told them it was justified. The lack of thoughts of the villagers and the disturbing commentary shows the ignorance of those following a tradition without thinking for