Literary Devices In The Lottery By Shirley Jackson

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Pages: 2

In Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery”, she explains that following traditions may not always be the best thing to do. Jackson supports her claims by using such literary devices such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and irony to depict the impact of the following traditions. The author’s purpose is to inform readers about traditions so that they will know about them in the future. The author writes in a formal tone for readers to know about past traditions. Jackson demonstrates that some traditions are best broken. For example, in the beginning of the story Jackson says, “Selecting the smoothest and roundest stones” to foreshadow that the boys are getting ready for the event later that day (1). Jackson also says, “away from the pile of