The setting of Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery” is a small, seemingly quaint village, with the narrative taking place on a warm summer day. This contrast between the idyllic summer atmosphere and the shocking events that unfold plays a significant role in heightening the story’s impact.
The village is described as having a typical rural charm, with a clear blue sky and an abundance of green, leafy trees. This picturesque environment initially gives no hint of the dark tradition that the residents are about to uphold. The houses are close to one another, suggesting a tight-knit community, and throughout the story, Jackson emphasizes the familiarity and routine of the village’s inhabitants as they gather for the lottery.
Specific details, such as the presence of children gathering stones and the adults exchanging small talk, illustrate a sense of normalcy and routine that underpins the villagers’ lives. However, the lottery itself is steeped in age-old traditions, some of which are being forgotten over time, as shown by the villagers referencing the black box that holds the slips of paper. This box, worn and splintered, symbolizes the blind adherence to traditions, even as the reasoning behind them becomes questionable.
Overall, the setting in “The Lottery” pivots between the pleasant, everyday scene of village life and the sinister undercurrents, inviting the reader to reflect on the nature of tradition and conformity in society.