Analysis Of The Lottery By Sheila Jackson

Analysis Of The Lottery By Sheila Jackson

In her short story, "The Lottery", Sheila Jackson invites us into the square of a small village on a warm summer day (247). It is not just any day. It is the 27th of June; an annually anticipated day for this community (Jackson, 247). The scene is described to depict a pre–technology era, most likely resembling an early American town. They have postal service, a school, and a bank, but no mention of devices, such as telephones, or modern transportation is made. (Jackson, 247). It is possible that the author wanted to represent the very basic elements in our humanity when choosing the setting.

The children assemble first, as is to be expected with any town event, followed by their parents (Jackson, 247). The boys, led by Bobby Martin, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...It is apparent that this is almost a mechanical event. Mr. Summers gives instructions on how to proceed, but the people have done this so many times they hardly pay attention (Jackson, 250). How they go about the lottery does not seem nearly as important as making sure everyone has a chance at the prize (Jackson, 251). Truly, a western culture ideal. Jackson may be trying to highlight the fact that society has become so preoccupied with getting our share of the pie that we do not stop and consider the consequences to ourselves, or to others.

When gossip of neighboring villages giving up the lottery wisps through the crowd, the notion seems unthinkable to the elders in this story (Jackson, 250). It is as if their foundational principals have been attacked by the idea (Jackson, 250). This imagery may serve to portray a climate of self–entitlement in our humanity.

One by one the men draw for their family's chance at the lottery (Jackson, 250). The tension is so thick, one could not help but anticipate the grandest prize (Jackson, 250–251). A prize that would change the life of the winner forever, most certainly. It would stand to reason this is a subtle tap on the shoulder regarding how greedy we have become as a society.

As the drawing nears its end, a new desperation seems to enter the scene (Jackson, 251). The women of the community begin crying out "Who is it? Who has it? Is it the Dunbars? Is it

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