The Lottery
A gruesome win by Sasha R.
Summary Of the Lottery
The lottery is about a small town close to the middle of no where. It's a bright sunny day, this does not match the events about to occur. Each year this town holds a tradition, an incredibly dark tradition. The 'winner' of the lottery ends up getting stoned to death.
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson (Summary) - Minute Book Report
Point of View
The point of view in The Lottery in third person objective. This is known because you aren't told the thoughts and or feelings of and character, the narrator and yourself is simply a detached observer.
Literary Devices in The Lottery
Some literary devices found in the lottery include metaphors, although not easily seen or noticed, personification, and simile. An example of each are the following. Metaphor - the black box itself is a metaphor towards death. Simile - When Tessie taps Mrs. Delacroix as a "farewell", which is also ironic as she is truly saying farewell ending up the winner of the lottery. And finally personification - this is evident when Mr. Graves drops the slips of paper on the ground and "caught them and lifted them off." Which gives the wind the ability to catch, which is a human characteristic.
Tessie Hutchinson
When Tessie Hutchinson arrives late to the lottery, admitting that she forgot what day it was, she immediately stands out from the other villagers as someone different and perhaps even threatening. Whereas the other women arrive at the square calmly, chatting with one another and then standing placidly by their husbands, Tessie arrives flustered and out of breath. She is also rather outspoken and defiant towards the lottery. With all this said, we can tell she is a very free spirit.
Davy Hutchinson
It is significant because little Davy must take part in the stoning of his mother, Tessie. By doing so, the townsfolk make sure that even the littlest, seemingly most innocent member of the bloody ritual. It is not that his stones will harm his mother, but that he shares responsibility.
We know Davy contributes to actions he does not understand in the least. This is very evident when his father has to hold onto his slip of paper for him.
Mr. Summers
Mr.Summers is the official of the lottery. He is a round-faced, jovial man, with no children, and an always unhappy wife. Although being the official of the lottery, he does not condone, or agree with the actions of this event.
Critique
I liked the story, but the ending was rather unexpected. The pacing of the book was good as well. It stayed on topic and didn't jump from scene to scene. Overall this is a book that makes a person think. If I were to recommend this book, I most definitely would not recommend it to any class under fourth grade. In fact i was even rather dark for some peers in my grade. I personally recommend this to any grade after eighth.