Furthermore, throughout most of the story it sounds like the villagers are gathering for a fun event but as the true dynamics of the lottery are revealed the reader begins to feel the tension increase. “The lottery was conducted --as were the square dances, the teen club, the Halloween program--by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities.” This is viewed as dramatic irony because there is nothing “civic” or civilized about murder. The lottery is seen as a “civic” activity on the same level as the square dances, teen club, and Halloween programs meaning this has become something routine or natural for them. Another example of dramatic irony in the story is the arrival of Mrs. Hutchinson, she arrives late claiming
