The Lottery By Shirley Jackson Rhetorical Analysis
Have you ever heard of execution as a prize? In a fictional village from “the Lottery”, Tessie Hutcherson was stoned to death by family and friends when she wins a tradition lottery. Shirley Jackson, the author of “the Lottery” progresses through the story while throwing in subtle hints, acknowledging the change in Tessie, and the attitude of the villages. Shirley Jackson, the author of “the Lottery’ sets an eerie tone as she manipulates the reader using foreshadowing strategies and leads them to the story’s unexpected outcome.
As the author introduces the story, she states a major clue that corresponds to the tragic ending. “Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example, selecting the smoothest and roundest stones; Bobby and Harry Jones and Dickie Delacroix...eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of the other boys.” (1) The author casually mentioned the stones which is an important factor to the ending. Not only are the stones peculiar, but the black, shabby box seems bizarre. “ The black box grew shabbier each year: by now it was no longer completely black but splintered …show more content…
“Mrs. Hutcherson said grinning, “Wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes in the sink, now, would you Joe?”, and soft laughter ran through the crowd...after Mrs. Hutcherson’s arrival.” (2) She was portrayed as lighthearted and with a warm spirited humour. Once Mr. Summers, the lottery host announced the Hutcherson family was chosen for the lottery, Tessie’s character immediately became aggressive and repeatedly argues that it was not fair. “...it was black. Nancy and Bill Jr. opened theirs at the same time and beamed and laughed.”(6) Celebrating, they “beamed and laughed” which is peculiar at a
As the author introduces the story, she states a major clue that corresponds to the tragic ending. “Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example, selecting the smoothest and roundest stones; Bobby and Harry Jones and Dickie Delacroix...eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of the other boys.” (1) The author casually mentioned the stones which is an important factor to the ending. Not only are the stones peculiar, but the black, shabby box seems bizarre. “ The black box grew shabbier each year: by now it was no longer completely black but splintered …show more content…
“Mrs. Hutcherson said grinning, “Wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes in the sink, now, would you Joe?”, and soft laughter ran through the crowd...after Mrs. Hutcherson’s arrival.” (2) She was portrayed as lighthearted and with a warm spirited humour. Once Mr. Summers, the lottery host announced the Hutcherson family was chosen for the lottery, Tessie’s character immediately became aggressive and repeatedly argues that it was not fair. “...it was black. Nancy and Bill Jr. opened theirs at the same time and beamed and laughed.”(6) Celebrating, they “beamed and laughed” which is peculiar at a