The Use Of Irony In Shirley Jackson's The Lottery

This short story, The Lottery, written by Shirley Jackson demonstrates many forms of irony that reveals itself as you read. Though many stories and tales use irony throughout for progression and development, The Lottery’s irony is not discovered until near the end, as it is revealed by the story. There is also plenty of foreshadowing of things that appear innocent and regular in this story, which do not become clear until the end.The central idea of the irony in this story is how regular and good people can be cruel and act atrociously, when the society around them allows it and others are acting in the same way.

We are presented with situational irony by the name of the title, because it makes us expect a cheerful story. Dramatic irony commences the moment we begin to read; we’ve learnt to associate the lottery as something that is good and enjoyable. Therefore, when everyone gathers together to prepare for what is about to take place, we expect it to be a light and joyful get together, not a public stoning. By word of the story “the lottery was conducted--as were the square dances, the teen club, the Halloween program--by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities.” This is an example of the irony, because it leads us to believe that this is a nice communal activity that everyone is …show more content…
It demonstrates all the different types of irony and uses plenty of foreshadowing to come together and create a final image for the reader. The irony of how people can say one thing while meaning something else entirely is not just something that happens in stories, but in our daily lives as well. People can be very unaware of the injustices that are occurring around them, until they are personally impacted by the problems. The Lottery expressed this in a cruel and barbaric way, but it did contain a sense of truth under it

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The Use Of Irony In Shirley Jackson's The Lottery

Use Of Irony In Shirley Jackson's The Lottery