Can someone tell me if my statement below is correct? I have to write a paper on The Lottery comparing and constrasting the theme and style. I am not sure if my themes and styles are correct or if I have them mixed up.

I have trouble with picking out the themes and styles. I find them, just identify them incorrectly. Do I have this right? Gothicism, imagery, symbolism and irony are styles and scapegoating and victimization are the themes.

Gothicism, imagery, symbolism and irony show scapegoating and victimization of women in The Lottery.

I don't think "Gothicism" is exactly the word you want.

http://www.answers.com/topic/gothicism-1
It's probably better to use the term "gothic literary style" -- http://www.answers.com/topic/gothic-8

Your statement seems to be partially correct, but there are a few clarifications and corrections to be made.

First, it's important to understand the difference between themes and styles in literature. Themes are the underlying messages or ideas that the author is trying to convey, while styles are the literary techniques or elements used to express those themes.

In terms of themes, you have correctly identified two important themes in "The Lottery": scapegoating and victimization. These themes revolve around the ritualistic stoning of a person chosen by lottery, which serves as a commentary on the dangers of blindly following tradition and the inherent cruelty in society.

However, the elements you mentioned—Gothicism, imagery, symbolism, and irony—are actually literary styles or techniques, rather than themes. Let's briefly define them:

1. Gothicism: This refers to a style of writing characterized by elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. Gothic literature often includes elements such as gloomy settings, eerie environments, and an overall sense of darkness and dread. While "The Lottery" does have a dark and mysterious tone, it is not classified as a Gothic story.

2. Imagery: This is a literary technique that uses vivid language and sensory details to create a mental image in the reader's mind. Imagery is used in "The Lottery" to describe the setting, characters, and actions, enhancing the reader's understanding of the story.

3. Symbolism: Symbolism involves the use of objects, characters, or settings to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In "The Lottery," various symbols are present, such as the black box, the slips of paper, and the stones. Each of these symbols represents a deeper meaning related to the themes of the story.

4. Irony: Irony is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. In "The Lottery," Shirley Jackson uses dramatic irony, as the reader is unaware of the true nature of the lottery until the shocking reveal at the end.

To summarize, scapegoating and victimization are the themes of "The Lottery." Gothic elements, imagery, symbolism, and irony are the literary styles and techniques employed by the author to convey these themes.