Shirley Jackson's The Lottery - Book Report/Review Example

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY Boysen, Peter. Literary Analysis for "The Lottery." (24 November 2009). . It is an analysis of "The Lottery" focusing on literary devices used in the development of the short story such as: irony, foreshadowing, juxtaposition and figurative language. Part of it is the Plot Summary intended to clarify and introduce the points that the critic is presenting. Its analysis is focused on the devices used to develop the plot such as: irony, foreshadowing, juxtaposition, and figurative language. The essay also illustrates the theme like: selfishness of the individual is shown in grotesque caricature, dangers of conformity are painfully obvious, and this conformity leads to brutality. The final statement is: "These themes are as old, and as inexorable, as human history, which is why Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" has become a timeless classic in short fiction." Duffy, Catherine. Literary Analysis of "The Lottery." (24 November 2009). . It is an analysis of the short story "The Lottery" focusing on the style of writing of Shirley Jackson as to how uniquely she builds tension that leads to an unexpected end. In this essay the critic says that even if the story was written in 1948 "its message and meanings still resonate with contemporary readers" as "Jackson invites the reader into a society unlike their own and by using suspenseful atmosphere, Gothic tone, and foreshadowing she pushes the plot forward to reveal characters who are much like the readers of the story." Jackson, Shirley. The Lottery. (24 November 2009). . Contains the full text of the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. The full text of the story presents the story as it is originally written without any explanation or notes or even a study guide. It is text alone and the reader is left to read it thoroughly with all the possible reactions he/she may have as he/she reads along. At first sight, it appears unattractive and common-place until the reader is surprised at the unexpected and ironic ending. This urges the reader to read again and take in the brutal strike of the theme and the plot. Kosenko, Peter. "A Reading of Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery'." New Orleans Review, Vol. 12, no. 1 (Spring 1985), pp. 27-32. (25 November 2009). . A Marxist critical analysis of the story which argues that the lottery in the story "serves the repressive ideological function of purging the social body of all resistance so that business (capitalism) can go on as usual and the Summers, the Graves and the Martins can remain in power." This is a very comprehensive and elaborate analysis using the Marxist approach. It explains how "the evil of the lottery is tied to this disorder of capitalist social organization." The five major points are: "the lottery's rules of participation reflect and codify a rigid social hierarchy based upon an inequitable social division of labor; the fact that everyone participates in the lottery and understands consciously that its outcome is pure chance give it a certain "democratic" aura that obscures its first codifying function; the villagers believe unconsciously that their commitment to a work ethic will grant them some magical immunity from selection; this work ethic prevents them from understanding that the lottery's actual function is not to encourage work per se but to reinforce an inequitable social division of labor; and the lottery is an ideological mechanism which serves to defuse the average villager's deep, inarticulate dissatisfaction with the social order in which he/she lives by channeling it into anger directed at the victims of that social order. Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery." (24 November 2009). . It is an analysis that focuses on the symbols and their meanings in the short story "The Lottery." Each of the elements of the story are explained such as the use of symbolism to support the theme. Such names as Summers, Graves, Warner, Delacroix and Hutchinson are suggestive of their roles in the story. The setting also plays a vital part being June 27th which is summer's solstice, such that the ritual is done to induce the coming of the rain to commence the planting season. Other objects are also given such important meanings as the black box and the black spot on the piece of paper that will signify the "winner" of the lottery. Tibbett, Amelia. Analysis. (24 November 2009). . It is an analysis of "The Lottery" with focus on the theme of "conformity and rebellion while suggesting that the lottery is a ritualistic ceremony." According to the critic, "the readers are deceptively led down a path to believe that June 27th is just as normal as any other day in this particular village." As the story progresses the tone of the story evolves into one of panic. The critic comments on Jackson's style that it reflects Jackson's "personal struggles and battle with depression" and that "her works often led the reader towards ominous endings, or were laced with dark humor." "The Lottery" Shirley Jackson. (24 November 2009). . An analysis that is divided into major parts, such as: Plot and Major Characters, Major Themes, and Critical Reception. In includes a short summary with the introduction of the major characters such as: Tessie Hutchinson, Mrs. Delacroix, Mr. Summers, and Bill Hutchinson. The principal themes of "The Lottery", according to this article, rely on the incongruous union of decency and evil in human nature. Varied reactions from critics include: Jackson's intention to avoid specific meaning; literary infertility due to flatly drawn characters, unrevealing dialogue, and the shocking ending; and the story's art lies in its provocativeness and parable-like structure with which "Jackson is able to address a variety of timeless issues with contemporary resonance, and thereby stir her readers to reflective thought and debate." What are the themes in The Lottery by Shirley Jackson (24 November 2009). . It is an analysis that focuses on the different themes apparent in the short story of Shirley Jackson. The major themes are violence, tradition, sexism, and many serious social/moral implications. It talks about the in humanity of violence and that society has become so callous about it. Concerning tradition, the analysis points out that not all tradition is good; some are cruel and wrong that they should be abandoned. The children and women are subjugated and the society is obviously patriarchal. "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson "The Lottery" is a story that tells of an unusual summer ritual in a village in America. Every June 27th since time immemorial, the townsfolk led by the oldest male member or head of the family would gather at the town square to draw their lots. It has become so ordinary and a vital part of the people's existence because they believe corn would not be productive if this ritual is not followed. It is on this specific day that the one who draws the paper with a black spot is Mr. Hutchinson. When everybody knows it, they throw their pieces of paper as each of the members of Hutchinson family is called to draw the second paper while Tessie murmurs her protest loudly that the lottery is unfairly executed. Finally, it is revealed that Tessie draws the fateful sheet of paper and "wins" the lottery. Amid her protests, everyone in the crowd begins stoning her to death as the sacrifice or scapegoat. Critics' Reviews and Analyses The story ever since it was published in 1948 has aroused a lot of fuss among critics and readers alike because of its uniqueness. In this paper, the following points are some of the issues that arise as points of discussion: a. Symbols and Meanings; b. Themes Encompassing the Story; c. Inherent Evil in Humanity; and d. Tradition's Effect on Society. Symbols and Meanings Symbols are rampant in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery." Obviously, they are intentionally included to intensify the impact of the theme of the story. Many literary analyses show how these symbols are manifested in the names and objects revealed in the story. An example of an analysis that deals with this aspect of the story is found on the site http://www.freeessays.cc/db/50/tyc18.shtml. For instance, the "names of the characters in the story are laden with meaning." Mrs. Delacroix's name means of the cross in Latin so it was Mrs. Delacroix, a friend of Mrs. Hutchinson, who is shown to be the one who picks the biggest stone to throw at Tessie. Summers is a name that symbolizes life "but in reality it is he who is in charge of the lottery which instead of giving life to its winner it gives death." The name Graves fits him right as he is the "man who carries in the black box and the three-legged stool." Old Man Warner is the one who warns the people about the danger of not holding the ritual. He is also and epitome of ignorance and superstition as one who "who blindly follows tradition." Themes Encompassing the Story Enotes.com devotes one analysis mainly focusing on themes entitled "What are the themes in The Lottery by Shirley Jackson" (http://www.enotes.com/lottery/q-and-a/what-themes-lottery-by-shirley-jackson-38705). The first theme identified is violence. The story shows the inhumanity of violence. This further shows that human beings are capable of violence or are inherently violent. The second is tradition. Shirley Jackson points out that "not all traditions are good ones." The third theme identified is sexism. According to the analysis, "There is the odd dichotomy of traditional female roles vs. women being fair game to be put to death by stoning!" The women are actually marginalized alongside the children. Finally, according to the source, ""The Lottery" is a story with many serious social/moral implications." It is like a critique of the society and humanity in general. Inherent Evil in Humanity In connection to the theme, it is worth mentioning that evil is inherent in humanity. This can be supported by several critics such that of Peter Boysen's "Literary Analysis for The Lottery," Catherine Duffy's "Literary Analysis of The Lottery," and Amelia Tibbett's "Analysis" (http://www.helium.com/items/802683-literary-analysis-the-lottery-by-shirley-jackson). Tibbett says of "The Lottery" as "a work of fiction that demonstrates conformity and rebellion while suggesting that the lottery is a ritualistic ceremony." The people did not show any form of analyzing if the ritual that they are doing will indeed bring them good. How can such a brutal act of stoning someone to death ever produce something good The people blindly followed tradition without realizing its real essence. In addition, Catherine Duffy declares that "Gothic art was prominent during the Middle Ages, a time when people were plagued with disease, political corruption, rigid class structure and authoritarian rule." She continues to assert that even if "The Lottery" is a product of contemporary times, the culture of fear still exists. This fear is of course a product of some inherent evil in some members of the society, particularly by those who are in power. In this way, tradition is used as a tool to perpetuate fear in order to subjugate the masses. Peter Boysen agrees by saying that the story showcases "selfishness of the individual, the dangers of conformity, and the brutalities possible even in a democracy." Although Boysen focuses his discussion on the devices used in the development of the story, he ends his analysis with a comment about humanity such that "The selfishness of the individual is shown in grotesque caricature by the coldness of Tessie's older children and by her friends-turned-executioners." He further declares that "This conformity leads to brutality - whether it's a brutality against personal freedoms, against rights, against dignity." Tradition's Effect on Society The analysis that comes close to the tradition's effect on society is clearly discussed in Peter Kosenko's Marxist critical analysis of the story which argues that the lottery in the story "serves the repressive ideological function of purging the social body of all resistance so that business (capitalism) can go on as usual and the Summers, the Graves and the Martins can remain in power" (http://www.ipl.org/div/litcrit/bin/litcrit.out.plti=lot-1082). This analysis shows how the so-called tradition can be used by the capitalists to achieve their personal and selfish interests at the guise of convention which is undoubtedly widely accepted as a normal part of life. Kosenko shows the dangerous and negative effect of tradition on the society as a whole. Many, if not all, of the so-called folk practices are controlled and ordered by those who are in power, those who are able to manipulate things and events because they are capable of doing so. The ignorant public is led to believe that the more knowledgeable, educated and powerful has the better judgment about things and they are privileged to make decisions for the good of the whole community. It is in the same name of tradition that women are marginalized in the story. The men are the first ones to draw for their families and the women and girls just look on. It is only when the family has been identified as the recipient of the "prize" that the women are included. It is more disheartening to note that old Mrs. Hutchinson, who is the only one vocal against the lottery - a woman and an old one, has to come out the "winner." According to Kosenko, "The lottery functions, then, to terrorize the village into accepting, in the name of work and democracy, the inequitable social division of labor and power on which its social order depends." This shows further that the society is controlled only by a few persons who think and decide for the group while the masses are left to believe that these people's judgment are the ultimate and most valid solutions to their predicament. If they are not followed, the earth would refuse to yield its fruits - in this case, corn would not be productive if the ritual is not followed. Personal Reaction Personally, the story has shocked me. The natural effect of lottery on every individual is often that of excitement and cheer. At the onset, something makes me uncomfortable because the characters in the story seem to take such important event as ordinary and synonymous to the regular routines. There is a touch of seriousness and lack of clamor that the usual lottery events comprise. The names of the characters are also suggestive of something eerie. As tension builds, especially when the Hutchinson family is declared the one that "wins" the lottery, I am alarmed by the reaction of Tessie. I begin to wonder what is it that is unfair about the event when everyone is represented and the act of drawing and revealing the result is transparent and done altogether at one time. The last line really has really caught me off guard. The expected happy ending is reversed into a brutal and barbaric act of stoning a neighbor to death. The effect on me is that of disappointment and depression. Finally, it dawns on me that Tessie is indeed right in saying that the lottery is unfair. Conclusion Just as the story has roused the interest of the readers and critics ever since it was published in 1948, the story maintains its effect on the present-day readers. Issues such as: a. Symbols and Meanings; b. Themes Encompassing the Story; c. Inherent Evil in Humanity; and d. Tradition's Effect on Society make the story a worthwhile piece to study. OUTLINE 1. Summary of the Story 2. Critics' Reviews and Analyses a. Symbols and Meanings b. Themes Encompassing the Story c. Inherent Evil in Humanity d. Tradition's Effect on Society 3. Personal Reaction 4. Conclusion WORKS CITED Boysen, Peter. Literary Analysis for "The Lottery." (24 November 2009). . Duffy, Catherine. Literary Analysis of "The Lottery." (24 November 2009). . Jackson, Shirley. The Lottery. (24 November 2009). . Kosenko, Peter. "A Reading of Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery'." New Orleans Review, Vol. 12, no. 1 (Spring 1985), pp. 27-32. (25 November 2009). . Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery." (24 November 2009). . Tibbett, Amelia. Analysis. (24 November 2009). . "The Lottery" Shirley Jackson. (24 November 2009). . What are the themes in The Lottery by Shirley Jackson (24 November 2009). . Read More