Annotated Bibliography on Meaning and Context in 'The Lottery'

Oehlschlaeger, Fritz. "The Stoning of Mistress-Hutchinson-Meaning and Context in The 'lottery.'" Essays in Literature 15.2 (1988): 259-265.

Oehlschlaeger highlights the rituals and their meanings where men have the upper hand in controlling women in having more children. The article presents a new way of analyzing The Lottery, a conflicting interest between the authority men bestowed themselves and feminine resistance. Fritz did excellent work in referring to crucial parts of the story and compares to other works done by the writer, which presents evidence of gender inequality and how males have a superior authority against women. The article explores the purpose and meaning of Hutchinson, the main actor in "The Lottery," and how he plays a critical role in symbolizing the primary theme 0f traditions vs. morals. Moreover, the article points out several times how women in many stories were unfairly treated were in today's standards, and it would not be allowed. The article gives a well-reasoned argument while explaining how women are discomforted in "The Lottery," moreover, as a tool to place the woman subordinated. This article contributes valuable perspectives in elaborating on the difference existing between the protagonist and the antagonist in the short story.

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Schaub, Danielle. "Shirley Jackson's Use of Symbols in 'The Lottery.'" Journal of the Short Story in English 14 (1990): 79-86.

The article reviews the various elements that are utilized in "The Lottery" to improve the literature. Primarily, Schaub focuses on a single symbolic element of symbolism. There are numerous symbols used in the short story in which the article plays a critical role in revealing the characters and the purpose of their names. Schaub highlights that, however, threatening symbolic elements play a primary role in preparing a reader for a tragic outcome; their attention is skillfully distracted. The article elaborates deeper into the symbolic aspect of "The Lottery," including the who, where, what, and when of how a man or woman was chosen. Schaub describes that the different symbols found in "The Lottery" indicate the many things in the story, including the date. The article highlights how symbolism is decisively utilized to involve the audience in the dramatic irony of the story. The article contributes to critical aspects of how symbols were used in "The LotteryLottery, "and well as how it was utilized to enhance the characters and the theme in the story. The overall assumption of the article dwells around the sacrificial nature of humans, focusing on the life of a man and a woman.

Nebeker, Helen E. "The Lottery": Symbolic Tour De Force." American Literature, vol 46, no. 1, 1974, p. 100. JSTOR, doi:10.2307/2924129.

Nebeker focuses on the substantial use of Christianity as a symbol in Shirley's work, "The Lottery." Precisely, the journal centers on the topic of Christianity as a symbol concerning liberalism and traditions. Nebeker talks about culture and the LotteryLottery it comes with, emphasizing that it is not primarily based on fears, rather the willingness of a man to abide by the traditions regardless of the violent nature. The names of the characters are symbolic since they bear an ancient meaning. However, the awkwardness is attached to their mispronunciation. The writer describes the items as a symbol of Christianity and man's nature and the inborn persistence to stick to the rituals, although they might be harmful. Nebeker further elaborates on the symbol of Christianity and how the firm attachment of an ancient man to the religion and traditions. The article contributes important perspectives to the paper concerning Shirley's use of particular words and phrases and the meaning of the words.

Hicks, Jennifer. "Overview of 'The Lottery.'" Short Stories for Students. Literature Resource Centre. Detroit: Gale, 2002

Jennifer highlights the bad happening within the society where everyone is always interested in gossip. The act of gossiping is bad, and the article equates it to being placed in front of a crowed and stoned. The article details that women are vulnerable and positioned at an attacking end where they hardly can do something about it. The article highlights how Shirley was proactive in her story "The Lottery," which is increasingly becoming a reality in the contemporary world, such as increasing murder cases in American society, according to Jennifer. The article further highlights characters featured in the story fear the LotteryLottery, mainly during the drawings. Although the LotteryLottery was a ritual, the villagers never thought they should continue doing it. However, they continued since they thought it would result in healthier crops. The article gives interesting points about "the Lottery," which would be critical in this paper is analyzing the past differently.

Watson, Noelle. "Reference Guide To Short Fiction." Choice Reviews Online, vol 31, no. 11, 1994, pp. 31-5798-31-5798. American Library Association, doi:10.5860/choice.31-5798.

The article presents a description of the Lottery by Shirley, highlighting the effects of traditions in the society mentioned in the short story. Manly, Watson argues that women in the LotteryLottery were treated unequally during the old days. For instance, the crows articulated their concerns regarding their children when it was presented to family members, however, none of them expressed their sympathy to Tessie. Watson describes that that even Tessie's best friends threw stones at her. Moreover, the article highlights that Tessie's demonstrations since she cares about the safety of her family and more concerned about when the first LotteryLottery will end. At the same time, her husband humiliates her and shows no concern. Watson argues that regular people constitute society; however, the "male-controlled laws" in the case of the short story that force people to consent to certain rules without questioning. The article contributes critical perspectives since it gives a new perspective of the patriarchal rules and the antique traditions of gender inequality.