If the story, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, was written in first person (internal narration), it would significantly alter the tone and impact of the narrative. Currently, as a third person observer, the readers are able to witness the events from an outside perspective, feeling a sense of detachment and shock as the town members participate in the brutal lottery. However, if the story were written in first person, the readers would experience the horror and anxiety directly through the protagonist. The line, "Bill Hutchinson was standing quiet, staring down at the paper in his hand." demonstrates how the third person narration allows the readers to observe Bill's reaction rather than being in his head. This detachment makes the story more chilling as the readers can see the unfathomable acceptance of the lottery by all the characters, making them more complicit in the practice. If it were in first person, the readers would be directly confronted with the protagonist's thoughts and emotions, creating a more intense and personal connection to the story.
If the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson was written in first person with internal narration, it would significantly change the reader's perspective and experience. Instead of observing the events from an outsider's point of view, the reader would be directly immersed in the thoughts and emotions of a specific character. For instance, the narrator might express their confusion and growing horror as the lottery ritual unfolds, such as when they witness the gathering of stones and the eventual stoning of the unfortunate individual. The internal narration could also provide insight into the narrator's mindset and any personal conflicts they might have about the tradition. Overall, the first person perspective would allow for a more intimate understanding of the character's reactions and perceptions, intensifying the impact of the story on the reader.
If the story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson was written in first person with internal narration, it would significantly alter the reader's experience. This can be seen through the change in perspective and the potential for deeper insight into the protagonist's thoughts and emotions. For example, the description of the lottery itself would have a more personal touch, as the narrator would likely express their fear and unease more explicitly. Evidence for this can be found in the lines, "Her voice had lost its steady, calm quality and she spoke pleadingly, 'It isn't fair, it isn't right'" (Jackson 7). In first person, the protagonist's inner turmoil and resistance to the ritual would be more apparent, leading the reader to empathize and connect with their emotional journey on a deeper level. In addition, the shock and horror of the final revelation would be heightened, as the reader would experience it alongside the protagonist. Overall, a first-person internal narration would bring a more intimate and immersive perspective to the story and enhance the reader's engagement with its themes.
