Shirley Jackson and Lottery

¶ … Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and "Young Goodman Brown" by Nathaniel Hawthorne" Nathaniel Hawthorne and Shirley Jackson like using symbols in expressing their thoughts in stories. "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Lottery" utilize symbols to emphasize themes in each of the stories. While Hawthorne makes use of objects and names to strengthen the theme, Jackson predominantly makes use of names to consolidate her theme; she does not limit to using a single object as a significant symbol to her theme, she may use multiple symbols.

These stories present symbols that portray evil. Hawthorne's symbols predominantly describe religion -- which explore both evil and good. Generally, the symbols used by Jackson portray the evil in society. There is an act of symbolism in each of the stories. The short narratives share symbols, although these symbols aim to capture different thoughts in the reader's mind (123 Helpme, 2016). The Lottery and Young Goodman Brown, both use symbolic names. Hawthorne uses Young Goodman Brown and Faith to express decent, nice people. The name Faith carries a Christian connotation of faithfulness.

The story alludes to this symbolic representation when it states that Faith was aptly named as such (211). On her part, Jackson, throughout her story, uses the symbolic, 'Mr. Graves'. He coordinates the Lottery. She does not need to give an explanation of the name. There are many other names used as symbols in each of the stories. The ones mentioned above are the most important names with regard to the theme. Each of the stories contains names, acts and objects expressed as significant symbols (123 Helpme, 2016).

In her narration of the Lottery, Shirley Jackson makes use of third person narration to outline how events that are accepted can be a precedent to barbaric events when people do not think over what they do. Nathaniel Hawthorne equally makes use of third person narration in the story: Young Goodman Brown. However, he approaches the matter in a different way, while Jackson tries to stir a reaction in the reader, Hawthorne, on the other hand, attempts to address inner conflict by analyzing the thoughts of the character.

The two authors utilize their narratives to encourage the reader to reflect on their own beliefs, question their actions and the general surroundings. They only differ in the techniques they use (UK Essays, 2015). Shirley Jackson does not overtly say anywhere that people of the towns are anxious about the forthcoming lottery. She makes the reader develop a significant level of apprehension in readers by use of subtle clues and hints. The third paragraph of The Lottery portrays a clear impression of the men as they troop into the town square.

Jackson states that instead of talking about common subjects such as the rain, tractors, and taxes, the men gather away from the stones and joke in quiet tones and smile but never laugh. It is clear from the description of the men and general narration that it is not a normal day. Yet, Jackson refrains from explaining why people display anxiety or anticipation. She proceeds with the technique, heightening the curiosity in the reader, as the lottery approaches. Hutchinson is chosen. Tessie expresses concern for her own life.

The reader is only given a cloudy hint at the repeated scream by Tessie to the effect that it is not fair (para. 80). This incident is at the end when the people of the town are set to kill her (UK Essays, 2015). Hawthorne explains Goodman Brown's nervousness more explicitly. Goodman slips into thought as he walks through the woods. He conjures imaginations of the devil tagging at his elbow (par. 9). This expression of fear is clear. Brown expresses his inner struggles and how he scruples in his quest.

The two proceed with conversation as they walk. Goodman discloses that he is apprehensive of the forthcoming initiation. His friend seeks to allay his fears by explaining that the best people in his town have gone through the rite (UK Essays, 2015). The two stories address the question of morality in significantly different ways. While Goodman's moral issues are brought out in the conversation with the companion, he feels encouraged by being reminded that others have also experienced the same; even though he questions it sometimes.

Hawthorne appears relatively ambiguous in his handling of fear. He seems to be following Brown's thoughts as they rock back and forth. Hawthorne's moral address is a little bolder and less ambiguous compared to Shirley's approach. In paragraph 73, Hawthorne states that it was a bad omen dream for Young Goodman Brown. The narrator states this point explicitly. If it had come from a character, there would be a portion of ambiguity loaded with respect to the moral stand.

The fact that the story is presented by a narrator that remains consistent, the reader is obliged to accept it as true in the story's context (UK Essays, 2015). In Jackson's approach, as mentioned, she makes use of a technique that mounts fear as the story unfolds. It culminates in Tessie's scream about fairness, or rather, lack of it. The difference between her stance with regard to morality is that she does not overtly come out to comment on Tessie's situation.

The reader is left in no doubt that, the experiences Tessie is exposed to are barbaric and unfair. Other people may hold a different view though. They are projected as captives of their circumstances and inclined to make a sacrifice for their crops to flourish. Pointing to the sloppiness and morality of this incident is not unlike questioning the socio-economic classes in the modern day. It is simply how the.