Sunday, January 5, 2014

What possible significance, beyond its literal meaning, might Mrs. Hutchinson's apron have in Jackson's "The Lottery."

Mrs. Hutchinson's apron represents the normality of life -
she was doing the dishes and "clean forgot what day it was..."  The implication there is
that Jackson misleads us into thinking that the lottery is important, but that Mrs.
Hutchinson was excited to get down to the square.  However, normal life happens both
before and after the lottery.


The slips of paper are
reminicient of a death certificate, to me.  The paper represents death, as does the
black spot.  Black often represents death and the heavy, dark spot, indicates the person
to be sacrificed, which is certain death.  Black is mentioned also in regards to the
black box where the slips of paper are placed - this reminds me of a casket/coffin.  It
contains death.


Old Man Warner is the old timer - hence the
name.  He brags that he's lived through so many lotteries and that there's always been a
lottery - there's no need or reason to change it, according to him.  He's set in his
ways.


The village square is discussed as being the place
for gatherings - square dances and other things.  The village square traditionally
(pardon the word choice) is where all important business and fun is conducted.  Again,
Jackson misleads us with her description of the village square as a beautiful, happy
place - and we come to find out that it's a bloody, grotesque place wearing a
facade.

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