Artistic Effect In Shirley Jackson's The Lottery

In the same way that a painter uses aspects of visual arts to create a painting, a fiction writer uses elements of narrative to create an artistic effect in fiction. These elements are used to enhance and further develop stories. If all elements are strong, the piece will be powerful and entertaining. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a perfect example of how a seemingly civilized society can commit the worst of crimes without even knowing. The story is about a traditional lottery which takes place in an ordinary village every year. The so-called "winner" of the lottery is shockingly stoned to death at the end of the story. Firstly, through the use of characterization, Jackson shows that anyone can be responsible for violence. Secondly, by

Jackson rids all suspicion through dialogue and leaves no clues that may spoil the ending of the story. A perfect example of how we are deceived can be found in the way that Tessie Hutchinson is introduced. As the villagers gather for the lottery, Tessie Hutchinson arrives late. Her arrival is described as ""Here comes your Missis, Hutchinson," and "Bill, she made it after all." Mrs. Hutchinson reached her husband, and Mr. Summers, who had been waiting, said cheerfully, "Thought we were going to have to get on without you, Tessie." Mrs. Hutchinson said, grinning, "Wouldn't have me leave

From the very first sentence, Jackson misleads one to thinking the story is going to be something very different from what it actually is. Jackson mentions "The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day" (Jackson 252). By using descriptive Words such as "Fresh warmth" and "sunny" which all indicate happiness and comfort, Jackson sets a pleasant tone. Jackson continues stress on the beauty of the day and the brilliance of nature. This provides the positive outlook and lets the reader relax into what seems to be a comfortable setting for the story. However, in reality, a horrific crime will later take place in this very average looking town. By creating a pleasant setting, Jackson shows how such a terrible crime can happen is such an ordinary place. Therefore, we can clearly see that violence can take place anywhere in this world. Another quote that demonstrates this point is when Jackson states, "The flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green" (Jackson 252). Once again, Jackson uses words such as "blossoming" and "richly green" that all point towards a happy, cheery kind of tone to make us think the story will be pleasant. Although, when the truth is revealed at the end of the story, the readers are horrified. Jackson uses the key element of setting to trick the reader and later prove to them that acts