The Lottery from different points of view
Kyle W. Patterson

Differences are what make the world mysterious allowing for the progression of the humanity. The writing of “The Lottery” is a good example of how different people can relate to the same experience in absurdly different ways. Writing styles help to distinguish peoples understanding of the human experience and give good insight about alternative perceptions.
Shirlley Jackson writes in third person, allowing the reader to make observations on the corrupt rituals and traditions performed by a small community. In this writing style, the reader is able to depict the wrongs of the community quite easily as the theme detours from utopia to dystopia. The third person approach at the story forces the reader to become more judgemental, forcing a sense of superiority onto the reader. Using the progressively darkening mood to the story, the idea of blindly following orders and how that leads to chaos is a very obvious theme. Shirley begins her setting with a bright sunny day and ends it wish a lady begging for her life, this drastic change in setting focus’s the connection between not questioning orders and the results that may proceed. Shirley teaches the reader to question their own actions and to if they too are brainwashed without questioning “tradition”. Finally the characters in Shirley Jacksons story are much less colourful then the play. Her writing focuses more on the plot rather than the motives or mindset of the civilians. This portrays the townspeople more like sheep blinding being led instead of humans with emotions, motives, and choice.
Brainerd Duffield interprets Jacksons writing interestingly, questioning the mentality of these people. Duffield incorporates fewer characters into his play allowing the audience to relate to the main characters emotionally. Duffield leaves out the Nancy, and Bill Jr., and Harry Graves, in order to make a more emotional connection between Davey and the audience. Having Duffield’s play end with Davey stoning his mother leaves the audience in disbelief. The idea that Davey was so easily pursued to participate in killing his own mother causes the audience to question