“The Lottery,” is a horrifying, yet thought-provoking story. Author Shirley Jackson gives readers an unexpected twist while reading about a small village. Jennifer Hicks also discusses the view of this town in the article “Overview of The Lottery.” “Jackson portrays the average citizens of an average village taking part in an annual sacrifice of one of their own residents,” (Hicks). At the beginning of this story, no one would think the ending would consist of a deadly stoning. There is a great deal of symbolism, irony, and a deranged theme is unrolled throughout this gruesome story.
The irony lives throughout the characters, their names, and actions of the people in this village. The first sentence of this story contains irony. “The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day…” (Jackson 336). Mr. Summers is the first main character introduced to readers. He is believed to be a sweet and caring individual. “The lottery was conducted—as were the square dances, the teenage club, the Halloween program—by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities,” (Jackson 335). Mr. Summers also receives sympathy from other town citizens because his wife was a stringent old woman who never wanted to have kids. When an individual thinks of summer they think of pleasant weather, the beach, no school: just complete prosperity. Another primary character, Mr. Graves, was introduced around the same time as Mr. Summers so, he has an