The Lottery Introduction notes

Background Information: Published June 26, 1948 Author: Shirley Jackson Genre: Short story First published in The New Yorker When first published, the story received mixed criticism.

Shirley Jackson Short story writer December 14, 1916 – August 8, 1965 Short story writer The Haunting of Hill House – considered one of the best horror novels ever written. She has influenced writers such as Neil Gaiman and Stephen King.

Criticism South Africa, to this day, has banned “The Lottery.” After Jackson published “The Lottery” in the New York, many Americans cancelled their subscriptions and sent Jackson hate mail. South Africa, to this day, has banned “The Lottery.” Jackson refused to be interviewed about “The Lottery” and wanted readers to figure out the story on their own.

Literary Terms and Devices

Theme A dominant idea that exists throughout a story; the main idea that one takes away from a story; a strong idea that weaves throughout a story; a central message

Foreshadowing A hint or indication of something to come in the future; a hint about the future