Thematic Analysis- the Lottery

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Thematic Analysis – “The Lottery” Have you ever wondered why your parents made up the story of Santa when we were little? We have a bunch of traditions that we never really question or think why they are there. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson is a short story that is a perfect example of people not thinking of traditions. The short story is about a community who sacrifices a member of the community, picked by a draw, in belief they will have a good harvest. The theme of “The Lottery” is society’s resistance to change. Jackson uses many elements of fiction to convey the theme; however, the three most prominent are plot, characterization, and symbolism. One of the ways Jackson uses to convey theme is plot. For example everyone in the community seems accepting of the lottery. They have children rocks, and even helping with the killing, even if it is their parents. Another way plot is used to convey theme is the other towns have quit doing the lottery. Old Man Warner says “lottery in June, corn be heavy soon” (Jackson, 3) is proof that they believe that the lottery will help the harvest and they are too resistant to change. Another way Jackson conveys theme is through characterization. One example of a character is Old Man Warner. When someone tells him they have quit doing the lottery Burge, 2 in other communities he says “pack of crazy fools” (Jackson, 3). Another character that explains theme is the Hutchison family. Even though everyone was worried that Little Dave would get picked no one resisted against the lottery. Also Tessie tried objecting and no one took her side and helped her. Also, Jackson uses symbolism to suggest theme. The black box is the symbol in “The Lottery”. In the story it states “ The black box grew shabbier each year: by now it was no longer completely black but splintered badly along one side to show the original wood color, and in
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