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Irony In Shirley Jackson's The Lottery

Decent Essays

In Shirley Jackson’s short story, “The Lottery”, the title itself is ironic. Contrary to what the reader might think from early on in the story, or even form prior knowledge, the “lottery” is not something one would want to win in this case. This story is told in a third person, very limited, omniscient point of view. While the narrator introduces a number of characters and their histories, the narrator never discloses any of the characters thoughts at any time during the story. When the speaker presents the action, dialogue, reports the thoughts and reactions of the characters, it helps to understand the overall setting of the story while also giving the reader the feeling of being an onlooker to the event. The point of view is used to conceal

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