Foreshadowing in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" Free Essay Example

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Introduction

Shirley Jackson's short story, "The Lottery," masterfully employs foreshadowing to build a sense of unease and tension throughout the narrative. Set in a seemingly idyllic village on June 27, the day of the lottery, Jackson artfully hints at the ominous nature of the event that awaits the unsuspecting townspeople. This essay explores the pervasive use of foreshadowing in the story, analyzing specific examples, ominous diction, and the overall tone that sets the stage for the shocking conclusion.

First Signs of Peculiarity

The narrative unfolds with the children in the village already "stuffing their pockets full of stones" (422).

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This seemingly innocent act serves as the first indication of the unusual nature of the lottery. In a modern context, a lottery is associated with prizes or rewards, not rocks. The men's cautious distance from the pile of stones underscores their solemnity, suggesting that this lottery is far from a lighthearted affair. Even the men's restrained smiles, contrasting with genuine laughter, convey a sense of seriousness and foreboding, emphasizing the gravity of the impending event.

Nervous Tensions and Anxious Anticipation

As the lottery progresses, nervous tensions escalate among the villagers. The act of nervously turning over the chosen papers and the uneasy grins exchanged between Mr. Summers and Mr. Adams intensify the unsettling atmosphere. If the lottery were a joyous occasion, the participants would exhibit eagerness, not nervousness. Mrs. Dunbar's impatient plea for Mr. Summers to "hurry" hints at the discomfort associated with the event, reinforcing the notion that the lottery is an ordeal rather than a celebration.

The Sinister Symbolism of the Black Box

The introduction of the "black box" serves as a pivotal foreshadowing element. The color black, traditionally associated with death, immediately raises apprehensions about the nature of the lottery. The revelation that the box contains scraps of paper intensifies the ominous undertones, hinting that the villagers draw lots for more than just a benign outcome. The description of the lottery as a "ritual" with a history involving a "chant" reinforces the association with death and sacrifice. Jackson strategically employs these ominous words to foreshadow the chilling reality awaiting the villagers.

Disturbing Revelation and Conclusion

Although the narrative progressively builds a sense of impending doom, the full extent of the lottery's horror only becomes apparent when Mrs. Hutchinson cowers in a corner as the mob approaches her. While the color symbolism of the box provides a subtle clue, the overall foreshadowing techniques in the story effectively create an atmosphere of disturbance without explicitly revealing the shocking outcome until the story's conclusion.

Conclusion

Shirley Jackson's use of foreshadowing in "The Lottery" transforms a seemingly ordinary day in a small village into a tale of horror and societal critique. Through carefully chosen details, ominous diction, and an overall tone of unease, Jackson guides the reader towards the shocking revelation at the story's conclusion. "The Lottery" stands as a testament to the power of foreshadowing in storytelling, leaving an indelible impact on those who engage with this haunting narrative.