Here is a literary analysis of the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson:
The short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson presents a shocking portrayal of the dark side of tradition and social conformity. On the surface, the story depicts the annual ritual of a lottery held in a small town. However, it soon becomes clear that the "prize" of this lottery is not one that anyone would want - it results in the stoning to death of the "winner."
Jackson uses several literary techniques to gradually build suspense and reveal the true nature of the ritual. The story opens with descriptions of children gathering stones and adults socializing, creating a sense of normalcy. When Tessie Hutchinson arrives late,