Sample Analysis Paper on “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson uses the art of specific analysis in her piece of literature. In this story, Shirley provides specific details in regards to the day of the lottery. For instance, she tells the readers that it was “The morning of June 27th… “(Jackson 1). She also goes ahead to give details on the temperature and the scene around her. The readers also get to know about the town the lottery takes place, the number of people there are, as well as the specifications of the lottery. In the following paragraphs, Jackson gives the full names of the characters. These include Harry Jones, Bobby Martin, and Dickie Delacroix. She even gives an explanation on the pronunciation of Delacroix.
In my opinion, the specific details offered at the beginning of this story give a picture of the reality of everything that happens. It also builds the imagination of the readers helping them to relate easily with the story. Since the story is set at a detailed place and time, Jackson seems to give the readers a clue that the story will be made up of interesting chronicles that describe the tradition of the lottery in the community. She states that “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” (Jackson 2). This statement verifies the fact that the lottery was a tradition in that community and it was made up of various interesting activities.
“The Lottery” displays an interesting use of foreshadowing. The specific details given at the beginning of the story gives foreshadow of the violent end. For examples, children are seen putting stones in their pockets and make piles of the same in the town square. This appears to be an innocent activity until the stones find their main purpose towards the end.
Works Cited
Jackson, Shirley. The Lottery. NY: The New Yorker, 1996. Print.