Write a full rough draft in which you imitate the author’s original style and voice to change the conclusion of the text. in the story The Lottery by: Shirley Jackson
In the small village of New England, the anticipation was palpable as the townspeople gathered in the town square. It was the annual event that brought together every man, woman, and child in the community - the Lottery. Shirley Jackson, in her iconic story aptly titled "The Lottery," had masterfully captured the essence of the idyllic village and its shocking tradition. And yet, as I delved into the narrative, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease building within me. Jackson's words swirled around in my mind, weaving a narrative that called for a different ending.
The morning sun cast a warm glow upon the crowd, illuminating rows of smiling faces riddled with anticipation. The jovial atmosphere was infectious, masking the dark undercurrent that lay beneath the surface. The Lottery was a revered tradition, cherished and upheld year after year. As children frolicked and adults exchanged pleasantries, it dawned on me that this sense of normalcy was far from justified.
Mrs. Hutchinson, a well-liked woman in the community, emerged from her humble abode - her demeanor vibrant and filled with hope. She stood alongside her husband and gathered their three children close, a picture of a loving family caught up in the celebrations. And yet, my heart ached for Mrs. Hutchinson, unknowingly standing on the brink of a life-altering moment.
The lottery began, commencing with the recital of the sacred chant followed by the selection of the marked paper. The tension in the air grew palpable as Mr. Summers, the jovial master of ceremonies, shuffled through the slips. My eyes locked onto Mrs. Hutchinson as her initial smile wavered, a flicker of fear creeping into her eyes. It was at this moment that I yearned to rewrite the narrative, to alter the course of events that were already set in motion.
But the Lottery demanded its sacrifice, and as Mrs. Hutchinson's husband stepped forward to claim the fated slip, a wave of realization washed over the crowd. Gasps and whispers filled the air, some questioning the tradition that required the downfall of one of their own. Mrs. Hutchinson's voice rang out, her defiance shattering the illusion of harmony that had permeated the village for so long.
"What about fairness? What about justice?" she cried out, her once passive demeanor transforming into fiery determination. Her words resonated with the onlookers, who were now forced to confront their own complicity in this ritual of violence and oppression.
The people of New England, the ones I had grown to know through Jackson's words, began to question the validity of the Lottery. Doubt seeped into their consciousness, fueling a collective awakening. The acclaimed tradition that had once united them now threatened to divide them.
In this alternate ending, the crowd, stirred by Mrs. Hutchinson's outcry, refused to participate any longer. They recognized the cruelty of the Lottery, its unyielding grip on their lives. The bonds that had held the community together now crumbled, paving the way for a new era of equality and compassion.
As I closed the book, I couldn't help but smile at the possibility of a different ending, one where the forces of tradition and blind adherence to ritual were no longer the order of the day. Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" had served as both a chilling commentary on the dangers of mob mentality and a call to question the long-held traditions that no longer served their purpose.
In rewriting the conclusion, I hoped to honor Jackson's original style and voice, while envisioning a world where the Lottery's malevolent grasp was finally broken.