"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, 1948
Question 1 : If the settings of some stories can function as characters themselves, what kind of "character" is the town in this story? What is it like? What is the culture? What kinds of people live here? Provide some evidence from the story to support your answer.
What kind of "character" is the town in this story?
-- The town as a character would be apprehensive of the coming celebration, knowing that while there is a small chance of winning, that chance can be devastating to the families and the winner.
What is it like?
-- Seemingly fun and open, the story and towns mood shifts drastically as the winner is drawn. People are relieved it was not them chosen, and the delightful intro misleads the reader into the horrific conclusion.
What is the culture?
-- There is not enough food for the people, and so the town holds a lottery, the winner to be stoned to death. The culture is a very "Eat or be Eaten" mentality, where violence feels like second nature to the characters
What kinds of people live here?
-- Misleadingly, the demographic of characters is depicted as kind, older people, apprehensive and anxious of the name about to be called. However, with smiles on their faces, animalistic urges take over as tradition calls when the lottery winner's name is pulled.
Question 2: Why do you think the author chose common people for the story instead of more sophisticated or important people?
-- Thinking about it, the idea of important people brutally murdering each other over lack of food would make them commonspeople as well - no more important than the others around them. However, in light of the story, the barbarian-like violence that breaks out is suited more towards a demographic of people with nothing to lose, people that already have everything on the line.
