Setting and mood are important elements in many of the stories in this unit. Choose one story and
describe some aspects of its setting: where it takes place; what mood is created by the details of
weather, place, and time; and how this setting helps to convey the theme of the story
One story where setting plays a significant role is "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. The story takes place in a small, rural village on a warm and sunny summer day. The setting initially creates a sense of idyllic normalcy, with children playing and adults engaging in everyday activities.
However, as the story progresses, the mood shifts dramatically as the villagers gather for the annual lottery. The tension and unease in the air are palpable as the true nature of the lottery is revealed. The contrast between the peaceful, quaint setting and the brutality of the tradition creates a sense of horror and foreboding.
The setting of the story, with its close-knit community and seemingly innocuous surroundings, helps convey the theme of the dangers of blindly following tradition and the potential for violence lurking beneath the surface of seemingly benign social structures. The juxtaposition of the serene setting with the disturbing events that unfold serves to emphasize the dark undercurrents of human nature and the consequences of conformity.