The Art of Suspense: Analyzing Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"

Shirley Jackson, renowned for her masterful storytelling, demonstrates her exceptional skill in building suspense in the short story "The Lottery." She lures readers into a seemingly ordinary summer day in an average village, only to shatter their sense of security with a horrifying twist at the story's conclusion. Jackson employs various elements of a short story, including atmosphere, plot, and characters, to craft a narrative that invokes a chilling sense of horror. This essay will delve into the techniques she employs to create such an atmosphere of dread and unease, highlighting the significance of these elements in her narrative.

Crafting a Foreboding Atmosphere

Atmosphere plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and mood of a story, and Jackson utilizes this element effectively in "The Lottery." The story commences on a seemingly idyllic summer day, with the village bathed in sunshine and warmth. However, this apparent tranquility is deceptive, as Jackson gradually introduces disquieting elements that disrupt the expected harmony.

An eerie atmosphere is evoked as Jackson describes the children of the village.

Get quality help now

writer-marian

Verified writer

Proficient in: Free Essays

4.8 (309)

“ Writer-marian did a very good job with my paper, she got straight to the point, she made it clear and organized ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Instead of frolicking and enjoying the summer weather, they are depicted as "quietly grouped together." This deviation from the norm, with the children appearing uneasy and subdued, immediately instills a sense of foreboding in the reader. Jackson cleverly employs this contrast between the serene setting and the children's behavior to create an atmosphere of disquiet.

Furthermore, the author employs the weather as a reflection of the narrative's underlying tension. While the day is described as clear and sunny, it is far from the carefree summer day one would expect.

The juxtaposition of the pleasant weather with the unsettling events that transpire serves to intensify the atmosphere of horror throughout the story.

Unraveling the Chilling Plot

Jackson's manipulation of the plot is another key element in the creation of suspense and horror. As the story unfolds, the reader becomes increasingly aware of the ominous nature of the lottery, a seemingly innocuous village tradition. The tension steadily escalates, keeping readers on edge as they anticipate the revelation of the lottery's true purpose.

Crucial to the development of the plot is the character of Tessie Hutchinson. When Tessie's husband, Bill, draws the marked slip of paper, her immediate reaction is one of protest and outrage. She exclaims, "You didn’t give him time enough to take any paper he wanted. I saw you. It wasn’t fair!" Tessie's desperate plea for fairness underscores the notion that winning the lottery is far from a desirable outcome. Her actions and words serve to further unravel the chilling plot, revealing the sinister underpinnings of the village's tradition.

As the story progresses, Tessie's desperation intensifies, leading her to suggest that her in-laws be added to the list of potential victims in the next round of the lottery. This drastic attempt to avoid being selected solidifies the reader's understanding that the lottery is a perilous and deadly affair. The plot, intricately woven by Jackson, keeps readers in suspense until the very end, heightening the sense of horror and dread.

Characters as Agents of Horror

The characters in "The Lottery" play a significant role in amplifying the sense of horror within the narrative. Jackson employs their names and actions to convey subtle yet potent messages to the reader. One notable example is the character Mr. Graves.

Mr. Graves, with his surname, symbolizes the grave nature of the village's ritual. His name carries dual connotations: as an adjective, "grave" implies seriousness and alarm, while as a noun, it denotes a burial place. The association of his name with the dark and somber aspects of life foreshadows the ominous events that will transpire. Furthermore, his arrival with the ominous black box further underscores the impending horror. The juxtaposition of Mr. Graves and the black box serves as a chilling reminder that something dreadful is about to occur.

Shirley Jackson skillfully employs character names and their actions to contribute to the overarching sense of horror in "The Lottery." Each character's role, whether through participation or protest, adds layers of complexity to the narrative, intensifying the reader's unease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is a masterclass in the art of suspense and horror. Through the manipulation of atmosphere, plot, and characters, Jackson crafts a narrative that subverts expectations and leaves readers with a lasting sense of unease. The idyllic setting of an average village is gradually transformed into a nightmare, revealing the dark underbelly of tradition and ritual.

As readers journey through the story, they are confronted with the disquieting atmosphere, the unraveling of a chilling plot, and characters whose names and actions serve as harbingers of doom. These elements work in tandem to create an atmosphere of horror that lingers long after the story's conclusion.

"The Lottery" serves as a stark reminder that beneath the veneer of normalcy, there may lurk unsettling customs and practices. Jackson's narrative prompts readers to critically examine the rituals and traditions within their own societies, challenging them to question the true nature of seemingly ordinary customs. In doing so, she reinforces the enduring power of literature to provoke thought and elicit emotional responses.