Between Good and Evil: A Study of Dual Narrative Progressions in The Lottery

Abstract

The Lottery is the masterpiece of Shirley Jackson, a modern American writer. In the story, through the tragic death of Mrs. Hutchinson, the evil of human nature is revealed, including violence, ignorance, blind obedience, selfishness, hypocrisy, and indifference. In addition to the overt narrative progression that exposes the evil of human nature, there is also a covert narrative progression that implies the importance of human goodness and hope for this goodness. While describing the various evils of human nature, the appeal for goodness is also throughout the text. The interweaving dual narrative progressions enrich the main connotation of the story as well as enhance the reading experience of readers.