The reader’s point of view in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson changes from curiosity and anticipation to shock and horror as the true nature of the lottery is revealed. Initially, the reader is intrigued by the mysterious lottery tradition, but as the story progresses, their perspective shifts dramatically as they witness the violence and brutality that accompanies the lottery drawing.
In Shirley Jackson’s chilling short story, “The Lottery,” the reader’s point of view undergoes a significant shift from curiosity and anticipation to shock and horror. Initially, the reader is captivated by the mysterious annual lottery tradition, eagerly awaiting the outcome. However, as the story progresses, their perspective is drastically altered as the dark reality of the lottery is unveiled.
Throughout the beginning of the story, the reader’s point of view is marked by curiosity and a sense of intrigue. The author carefully creates an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation, capturing the reader’s attention. As the townspeople gather for the lottery, the reader is immersed in the excitement surrounding the event. Jackson masterfully builds suspense, leading the reader to wonder about the significance of the lottery and its purpose.
However, as the lottery drawing commences, the reader’s perspective takes a disturbing turn. The shocking revelation that the “winner” of the lottery is to be stoned to death alters the reader’s perception. The act of violence and brutality associated with the lottery shatters any preconceived notions of a harmless tradition. This shift in perspective evokes a sense of horror and disbelief within the reader, as they come to terms with the barbaric nature of the community ritual.
A powerful quote that encapsulates the transformation in the reader’s point of view is by Edmund Burke, a statesman and philosopher: “The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.” This quote aligns with the reader’s shift from curiosity to horror as they witness the power of tradition being grotesquely abused in “The Lottery.”
Interesting facts about “The Lottery”:
- Despite its initial controversial reception, “The Lottery” has become an iconic work in American literature and is often anthologized in various collections.
- Shirley Jackson’s inspiration for the story came from her own experiences living in a rural village, where traditional practices often prevailed over reason.
- “The Lottery” was first published in “The New Yorker” magazine in 1948 and caused a significant uproar among readers due to its shocking and unsettling nature.
- The story remains highly relevant today, exploring themes of blind adherence to tradition, the dangers of mob mentality, and the human capacity for violence.
- “The Lottery” has been adapted into numerous stage plays, radio dramas, and even a 1969 short film, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Table:
| Initially | Transition | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point of View | Curiosity | Shock and horror | Change in perspective |
| Reader’s reaction | Intrigued | Appalled | Altered perception |
| Atmosphere | Suspense and anticipation | Dark and unsettling | Tension and disbelief |
| Key Moment | Lottery drawing begins | Revelation of violence | Reality shatters |
See the answer to “How does the reader’s POV change in the lottery?” in this video
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There are alternative points of view
They might be imagining what they think of as a lottery: a game of chance where everyone enters for a chance to win a lot of money. As the story continues, they may grow more and more uneasy, eventually realizing that what they are witnessing is not a positive experience for the lottery winner at all.
Third-person perspective
In the Lottery, Shirley Jackson uses third-person perspective, which means that we do not know what the characters are actually thinking. At the beginning of the story, we assume that winning the lottery is a good thing, and it is only when we find out the fatal punishment that awaits the winner that our point of view change.
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Also asked, What point of view is the lottery told? Answer will be: third-person objective point of view
Answer and Explanation: "The Lottery" is told in the past tense from a third-person objective point of view. The narrator is not a character in the story, and the story never indicates the unspoken thoughts of any characters.
Thereof, Why does Jackson keep a distant point of view? As an answer to this: The choice of third-person objective point of view by Shirley Jackson may be justified by the purpose of distancing the reader from the characters to diminish the emotional impact of the story while it is developing, so that the ending appears the more shocking after the emotionally neutral narration.
How does the author of the lottery create suspense for the reader?
Jackson builds suspense in “The Lottery” by relentlessly withholding explanation and does not reveal the true nature of the lottery until the first stone hits Tessie’s head. We learn a lot about the lottery, including the elements of the tradition that have survived or been lost.
How does the tone shift at this point in the story the lottery?
Response to this: In the short story, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson the change in tone shifts over time starting with a gleeful and sunny beginning turning to a ghastly and horrifying story towards the resolution.
Just so, Does Shirley Jackson use a third-person point of view in the lottery?
The answer is: In "The Lottery," Shirley Jackson utilizes a third-person objective point of view to create a more suspenseful ending for readers. As the plot progresses, it is difficult to even understand the purpose of the lottery for a while. The details of how the lottery unfolds each year is revealed long before the why.
Keeping this in view, What is the point of view in the lottery?
The response is: The point of view in "The Lottery" is third person. The extremely objective narrator does not delve into the minds of any of the characters or give insight into their feelings; rather he merely reveals the process of the lottery as it unfolds.
Correspondingly, How is the lottery narrated? The answer is: "The Lottery" is narrated from the third-person objective point of view. The omniscient narrator who reports the story in an objective way without commenting on it. The emotional energy of the story emerges from the events it depicts, such as Tessie’s response to "winning" the lottery.
Beside this, Is the lottery a 3rd person story?
Answer will be: Shirley Jackson’s short story, "The Lottery," is written from a third person point of view. By omitting the availability of each character’s private thoughts, the reader is introduced to the lottery as it happens. Given that none of the character’s dialogue directly points to what the lottery actually is, suspense builds for the reader.