Slips of Fate -The Lottery

A detailed Summary of Slips of Fate -The Lottery

In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the author uses irony to expand on a theme of traditions that continue although they are ludicrous and barbaric. "Like a lamb to slaughter" comes to mind for both the characters in this story and the reader. The characters are honoring a tradition that is handed down to them from former generations. The reader is led through the seemingly normal and quaint little village, and is taken on a ride of ironic horror as they slowly grasp the eventual fate of one inhabitant of the village.

The title "The Lottery" implies a contest with a winner of some kind, like a sweepstakes. When in reality the winner is actually the loser or person that will die by stoning. The village, by all appearances, seems to be a normal and ordinary place with its inhabitants

meeting in a square with festival like intentions. However, the villagers know fully that when the drawing is over, one person in the community will die. Nonetheless, it is tradition. The atmosphere is casual yet anxious. Tessie Hutchinson arrives late because she "clean forgot" what day it is. It seems impossible to the reader that anyone would forget a day like lottery day. Her procrastination is logical but her excuse is lame. Mrs. Dunbar tells her son, "I wish they'd hurry." Her anxiousness seems due to dread. She wants the dreaded hour over and done with. However, Mr. Summers states "Let's finish quickly." as if there are other more important tasks that need doing. Nevertheless, perhaps he is unable to contain his excitement of this event. The postmaster's name, Mr. Graves, is also rather ironic. Graves

Some common words found in the essay are:
Shirley Jackson, Moreover Warner, Tessie Hutchinson, Summers Let's, Slips Fate, slips paper, tessie hutchinson,

Approximate Word count = 554
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.