Irony and Symbolism in "The Lottery"

In Shirley Jacksons short story The Lottery, she uses many literary devices. all the same the most prevalent are ridicule and symbolism. Jackson uses irony and symbolism to illustrate the underlying darker theme not unembellished in the beginning of the short story. The use of irony is in almost every paragraph. Even the title of the story is ironical because it represents something positive but in the end the contributor finds the align meaning of the title to be negative. Part of the horrific outlet of Jacksons writing stems from the authors technique of unfolding plot as if it were conventional, even out though it is not. (Wagner-Martin). Thus, through irony and symbolism Jackson paints a grim portrait of life and death in this pure town.

        First she sets the story in a very quaint, restfully and small town. The story takes place in early summer on a beautiful day. The morning of June 27th was fire and sunny, with fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming abundantly and the grass was richly green (499). This description of the setting gives the reader the idea of a normal peaceful town. Jackson describes the center field of town as having a ... post office and a bank... (499). She never mentions a church or courthouse which are commonly focal points in any small town.



This irony represents that the town have

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no respect for morals or authority. The setting for the drawing as well as takes place in the same area as were the satisfying dances, the teenage club, the Halloween program... (500). This is ironic because the reader learns that the actual purpose of the lottery is to choose someone who becomes a sacrifice for the town. This does not perplex on the conscience of the townspeople because they soon go...

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