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The lottery. ... Shirley Jackson's short story, "The Lottery" over exaggerates the irony
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Irony in "The Lottery". Irony in "The Lottery" In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"
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Tradition(A Rose For Emily, The Lottery. Tradition ... The two short stories "The
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Submitted by orphanannie04 on December 2, 2005
Category: Book Reports
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A Faded Tradition
Why do the majority of people think of presents that will be received, or given when they hear the word Christmas? Ironically, Christmas is a celebration of the miracle birth of Christ. Shirley Jackson's short story, "The Lottery" over exaggerates the irony that people remember what they want to remember in a tradition. "Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones."(p.268) A cruel outlook on human nature. Choosing of what one wants to remember. As in Christmas and receiving presents; presents being the one thing in the religious tradition that is rarely forgotten. The stones symbolizing the presents.
"The Lottery," starts off ironically. "Â…June 27th was clear and sunnyÂ…" (p.263) The beginning of the story is ironic due to the lottery being a lottery of death; a beautiful day would not best symbolize a dreadful occasion. A clear and sunny day seems a perfect day for a fun town event. Shirley Jackson leads the reader to believe the lottery is going to be a cheerful event. "Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his exampleÂ…" (p.263) The children seem excited to meet and gather rocks anxiously to start the lottery. The children only remember the stone throwing as the highlight, not even thinking to ask why it is done. The adults soon gather and seem glade to gather and wait for Mr. Summers. Not even questioning the purpose, but just knowing the lottery happens every 27th of June. The townspeople continue to make everyday conversation showing no concern that they may be the unlucky person to get stoned for no purpose.
The characters are all ironic. Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves both names having other meanings. Mr. Summers runs the lottery, and Mr. Graves helps. Summer is often thought of a season of happiness and warmth. Mr. Summers is describes as a good man; "Â…had time and energy to devote to...
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