The Lottery By Shirley Jackson Literary Analysis

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In the literary work "The Lottery” the author Shirley Jackson describes a tale that is shocking, inhumane, and disturbing. When it originally was released in the year of 1948 it is noted that she received hundreds of letters, but only thirteen spoke kindly to her (Shirley Jackson, 63-67). People of that time period did not know the meaning of the story and it frightened them. But even more disturbing, I believe, Jackson wanted emphasize the fact of the social evils that still exist in modern society right in front of the public 's eyes with nothing being done about it.

In the beginning of the story I interpret a beautiful summer day with children playing about in a cute little village, you know, the kind of place where everyone knows your name and are very neighborly. There seems to be a since of excitement in the air as the children prepare for what seems to be a joyous occasion. The same man that tends to most of the other community events and is somewhat of a community coordinator of sorts, named Mr. Summers, is in charge of the lottery that everyone participates in. It is not until later in the story that we realize that though Mr. Summers name may sound warm and cheery, the lightness in
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Jackson was trying to make in describing the village and allowing the reader to buy in to the idea that the village is innocent and sweet, and the lottery is some sort of joyous occasion, is that things are not always what they may seem. I believe that quite possibly some of her ideology was that even in todays society there may be things that people deem as acceptable and good, but at a closer glance they may be things that we should reevaluate and proceed with caution. This story, though short as it may be, I believe may contain very deep seated points and much wisdom. Do you think there are social injustices taking place today? I do, and I believe Ms. Jackson did as well, and I believe that this reason in part is why this story even

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