An immoral act will be carried out if no one questions it. In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” the community wholeheartedly takes part in the selection of one of their peers for random execution. People follow each other blindly even if the act goes against their will. Through the use of symbolism, irony, and atmosphere, Jackson portrays human beings’ unwillingness to question authority and the horrifying consequences of their actions.
First, Jackson includes many examples of symbolism in her short story. One is: “Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones” (34). The stones are a part of the tradition, but the entire reasoning for the public murder for a villager is unknown. The villagers justify their acts by saying it is a part of tradition, though they do not know exactly why they even stone their neighbors. Surnames are symbolic in the story. An example can be shown in this quote: …show more content…
One type of irony, situational, is shown when the villagers line up to draft in the lottery. It is thought that humans would avoid the pick for death by any means but instead they participate with much volition. An example of verbal irony is Mrs. Delacroix name which translates into “of the cross” symbolizing Christianity. Jesus said he who is without out sin cast the first stone, but Mrs. Delacroix disregards that. After the lottery “…(she) selected a stone so large she had to pick it up with both hands” (34). Another example of irony is “Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones” (34). Jackson tells her audience that the villagers remember they have to throw stones, but they have forgotten why they throw stones. No one seems to question why either. Lastly, the word lottery typically has a positive connotation. In this story, it results in a public stoning, which is ironic
First, Jackson includes many examples of symbolism in her short story. One is: “Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones” (34). The stones are a part of the tradition, but the entire reasoning for the public murder for a villager is unknown. The villagers justify their acts by saying it is a part of tradition, though they do not know exactly why they even stone their neighbors. Surnames are symbolic in the story. An example can be shown in this quote: …show more content…
One type of irony, situational, is shown when the villagers line up to draft in the lottery. It is thought that humans would avoid the pick for death by any means but instead they participate with much volition. An example of verbal irony is Mrs. Delacroix name which translates into “of the cross” symbolizing Christianity. Jesus said he who is without out sin cast the first stone, but Mrs. Delacroix disregards that. After the lottery “…(she) selected a stone so large she had to pick it up with both hands” (34). Another example of irony is “Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones” (34). Jackson tells her audience that the villagers remember they have to throw stones, but they have forgotten why they throw stones. No one seems to question why either. Lastly, the word lottery typically has a positive connotation. In this story, it results in a public stoning, which is ironic