In “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, a story is told of a traditional lottery in a small, secluded town. However, as the story builds up, it becomes increasingly clear that this lottery is not a normal, modern lottery, and instead, the winner gets stoned to death. The author uses many ways to make the story seem like a happy, children’s story at first, including the setting, the use of children, and one’s own family.
The setting and environment of the lottery day is described in detail in the opening sentence of the story. Jackson writes, “The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green.” Upon first impression, this gives the reader a positive, welcoming feeling that they are about to read a story with a happy ending. Furthermore, as the story goes on, the author describes how there are children at play, laughing and smiling. Based on an average reader, these described settings would all allow for a warm, summery day full of life and happiness instead of one with death.
Secondly, the use of children in the story leads readers to believe in a positive outcome in the story. Children in society are often seen as harmless and symbols of youth and innocence. It would be downright wrong to assume that the children would assist in the murder of an innocent women just for the sake of an old tradition. However, this is exactly what happens, leading to an unexpected turn of the story. The children are described to be playing with one another, “their talk was still of the classroom and the teacher, of books and reprimands.” Through describing these children as normal children, it allows the author to make the readers believe in a normal lottery in the story.
Lastly, description of groups of families standing together seem to create an environment of trust and stability in the story. In our modern society, most families value each other’s lives, futures, and well-being. This seems to be the case in their town at first, with each family standing together with their children. However, in their society, when the lottery is complete, one person gets stoned to death. Their own family turns on them, joining in with the “mob mentality” to kill the winner of the lottery.
Through using the setting, children, and families of the story to her advantage, Shirley Jackson builds up the story, creating similarities to our modern society. However, as the story progresses, things begin to change, and eventually, their town seems similar to a barbaric, ancient type of town with death and rituals.