Title and Author
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Theme
A major theme in the short story is the theme of “mob psychology” and the idea that individuals can abandon reason and tend to act cruelly, especially if they are in a large group of people behaving similarly.
Introduction
Quote: “The people of the village began to gather in the square, between the post office and the bank, around ten o’clock; in some towns, there were so many people that the lottery took two days and had to be started on June 26th. (Jackson) “
Significance:
This sentence relates to the theme of the story in that it examines the huge crowds that were going to town to try their luck on the lottery and were likely to cause chaos or even take part in mob justice.
Rising Action:
Quote
“It’s Tessie,” Mr. Summers said, and his voice was hushed. “Show us her paper, Bill.” Bill Hutchinson went over to his wife and forced the slip of paper out of her hand. (Jackson)”
Significance:
The quote signifies that there is a clear emergence of conflict and distrust amongst each other. It also shows how the lottery had made members of the same conflict go against each other and could probably cause harm if the conflicts are taken a notch higher.
Climax:
Quote: “Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones (Jackson). “
Significance:
This relates to the theme in that it depicts that the villagers constantly use stones against each other which can also be used for mob justice.
Falling Action
“Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones (Jackson). “
Significance:
This relates to the theme in that it depicts that how everyone is getting involved in the fight include women, who motivate each other to pick stones and lead the mob fights.
Resolution:
Quote
“It isn’t fair, it isn’t right,” Mrs. Hutchinson screamed, and then they were upon her (Jackson).”
Significance:
This quote finally proves that actually, the mob used stone against Mrs. Hutchinson where they hurt and humiliate her an activity that she laments to be not fair.
