I do feel that Jackson did mean to shock the reader. If the story would have ended any other way I do not believe people would still be reading it. I do believe for the simple fact of its shocking element that this has received recognition. I feel it's literary worth is not much and that better short stories have been written. It's underlying meaning and symbolism must be so awesome that people over look its simplicity. I feel it would help if I were living in the same time period as Shirley Jackson. I think what she might have felt during her time was universal for that time and those who live during the post war years. I think the absence of similar thoughts and fears of those times is what prohibits me from understanding exactly what she is trying to say. I do know that if I lived in that town I would have ran away as soon as I was allowed the chance.

finds out that the unlucky winner is stoned

Some common words found in the essay are:
Shirley Jackson, War II, , shirley jackson, short story, story lottery, short story lottery, unlucky winner, town's people, jackson trying,
Approximate Word count = 611
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)