How Does Shirley Jackson Follow Tradition In The Lottery

479 Words2 Pages

"'Be a good sport, Tessie.' Mrs. Delacroix called, and Mrs. Graves said, 'All of us took the same chance.'" (Jackson 5). This quote from The Lottery by Shirley Jackson shows the reader how the theme is developed through the story. This text is about the atrocious tradition a village follows all because of a superstition. Jackson develops the theme don’t follow tradition blindly by utilizing characterization, connotation, and foreshadowing. The theme is developed through the fiction by showing the characterization in the story. Mr. Warner shows the reader how not to follow tradition blindly. “‘Used to be a saying about ‘Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.’’” (Jackson 4). This quote portrays how Mr. Warner thinks that if there is a lottery, the crops will grow better, even though it is just a superstition. Jackson shows that Mr. Warner follows this tradition blindly, without realizing the awful truth. Jackson shows the reader to not be like Mr. Warner, and follow tradition blindly. …show more content…

The connotation of this story is mellow, calm, and happy. “The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day: the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green.” (Jackson 1). This citation reveals that the setting is very calm and good. The connotation affects the theme because as one reads the story, the reader keeps thinking the story will end out good because of the words used to make such a positive connotation, but in the end, it turns out to be bad. The reader follows the story blindly, even the theme is: don't follow tradition blindly. Connotation affects the theme in this