The Lottery By Shirley Jackson Literary Devices

Shirley Jackson was a mid-twentieth century novelist who composed many awarded pieces, most notably being “The Lottery”. Within this piece Jackson was able to adhere to multiple literary devices to create a dark dystopian setting throughout the short story. Jackson utilizes elements such as foreshadowing, juxtaposition, and irony in order to show that human nature is something to be cautious of.

Throughout the story Jackson creates specific moments with certain characters or aspects that hint towards the shocking ending. We can see this most blatantly within the story since, “just as Mr. Summers finally left off talking and turned to the assembled villagers, Mrs. Hutchinson came hurriedly along the path to the square, her sweater thrown

A specific piece of dialogue also used as foreshadowing by Jackson is “Mr. Summers, who had been waiting, said cheerfully,

‘Thought we were going to have to get on without you, Tessie.’” This text is perfect foreshadowing since the eventual death of Mrs. Hutchinson will bring this exchange into fruition. With the use of text and dialogue Jackson was able to provide the reader with foreshadowing, however through the telling of the environment of the story and the plot, she was notably the twist ending. Without a doubt, the story will forever be used as an example on how to

Not only does the last sentence exhibit use of juxtaposition, but it also shows Jackson’s usage of irony. Her use of irony ties the story all together, tying parts of the beginning and end of the story, and allowing her to really make the ending that much more twisted. The largest piece of evidence of irony is the actions of the Hutchinson family in the beginning, showing how relaxed and cheery they are that day, compared to how distressed they are in the end. For instance, Jackson writes, “Mrs. Hutchinson said, grinning, ‘Wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes

Hutchinson screamed, and then they were upon her” (Jackson).

Within the story , “The Lottery'' Shirley Jackson provides a disturbingly satisfying read.

Jackson created a thriller style story that takes readers by shock with the plot that unfolds, most

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richly green” which puts an immediate warm

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isn’t fair, it isn’t right,’ Mrs. Hutchinson screamed and then they were n fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and msober tone. It then completely contrasts s its bright beginnin h g with a gh e astly h Jackson starts the entire story with “The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the gathering with them,and the children playing; however, as the stor f y r j o l m n m u o