Criticism Of The Lottery By Shirley Jackson

The influence of formalism and its opponents, as well as the emphasis on literary aesthetics in the process, led to the relaxation of the standard for the search of literary significance. Therefore, we must give brand-new attention to what the literary works themselves are intended to tell the reader. (Thomas) Formalism and New Criticism were popular in the mid 1900’s, but became unpopular in the late 1900’s. Although not many people use it today, when reading stories, it will give you a better understanding. For example. "Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is a confusing story that will have anybody fooled. Although this story is confusing, there are many symbols that will give you an idea of how the ending will turn out. Shirley Jackson used a great

The main characters in the story are Tessie Hutchinson, who is the only villager who is trying to avoid the lottery, she shows up late. Bill Hutchinson is the husband of Tessie he plays the game fair and tells his wife to act right during it. Mr. Summers is the official of the lottery, he has the most say so. Old Man Warner is the oldest in the village. He has the most experience therefore; he takes it very serious, Mr. Graves, who also helps with the lottery and Mrs. Graves, who tells Tessie they would not start the lottery without her. Other characters in the story are: Mr. Adams, Mrs.Adams, Dickie Delacroix, Mr. Delacroix, Horace Dunbar, Mrs. Dunbar, Bill Hutchinson Jr., Davy Hutchinson, Eva Hutchinson, Nancy Hutchinson, Bobby Martin, Mr. Martin and the Watson

(Hall) But Formalism and New Criticism stood out the most to me. By carefully paying close attention to the characters, different symbols and the situations in the story readers will gain a better understanding. Shirley Jackson wrote this story, so readers could see that change is not always bad. The people in the Village are afraid of change the detail from the story is when Old Man Warner says, "The next thing you know people will want to go back to living in caves" (Jackson 220) Sometimes traditionally things have so much influence on us as people that we forget about loyalty and what really matters. Irony had a big part in the story, the title itself is irony. A lottery is drawing of lots for the distribution of prizes, usually money, to the winners among those who purchase a chance. (. Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia) Every different plot in the story deals with irony. Shirley Jackson did an amazing job with telling the story in third person. Instead of just telling the thoughts and actions of specific people, Shirley Jackson focuses on getting into what happens in the lottery piece by piece. Without formalism and Criticism, the story it would not have been easy to put the story