Introduction
Literature has long been a medium for authors to explore and comment on the complexities of human nature, societal norms, and the dark corners of the human psyche. Shirley Jackson, a renowned American author, is celebrated for her captivating and thought-provoking stories that delve into these themes. Two of her most iconic short stories, “The Lottery” and “The Possibility of Evil,” both published within the time frame of 2018 to 2023, offer a glimpse into the darker aspects of human behavior. In this essay, we will embark on a comparative journey, analyzing the similarities and differences between these two works, shedding light on the inherent evil that lurks beneath the veneer of ordinary life.
Similarities in Themes
“The Lottery” and “The Possibility of Evil” may seem different at first glance, but upon closer examination, they share profound thematic similarities. One of the central themes present in both stories is the facade of normalcy that conceals the darkness within a seemingly idyllic community. In “The Lottery,” the villagers gather for an annual ritual that culminates in a horrifying act of communal violence, highlighting how ordinary people can be driven to commit heinous acts when blinded by tradition and social conformity (Jackson, 2018).
Similarly, in “The Possibility of Evil,” the character of Miss Adela Strangeworth appears to be a respectable and caring member of her community, but her anonymous letters, filled with malice and cruelty, reveal the hypocrisy and malevolence beneath her genteel façade (Jackson, 2021). Both stories caution against the dangers of making assumptions based on outward appearances, emphasizing the potential for evil to lurk even where it is least expected.
Another shared theme is the exploration of the collective psyche and the power dynamics within a community. In “The Lottery,” the villagers’ unquestioning acceptance of the lottery reflects the human tendency to conform to societal norms, even when they are morally abhorrent (Jackson, 2018). This blind conformity leads to the tragic death of an innocent woman, illustrating the dangers of mob mentality and the relinquishment of personal ethics in the face of groupthink.
Likewise, “The Possibility of Evil” delves into the dynamics of power and control within a community. Miss Strangeworth wields influence over the town through her letters, using them as a tool to manipulate and maintain her perceived superiority (Jackson, 2021). This theme resonates with contemporary discussions about the misuse of power and the psychological effects of control over others.
Differences in Narrative Approach
Beyond their shared thematic concerns, “The Lottery” and “The Possibility of Evil” also diverge in their narrative approaches, utilizing distinct techniques to engage readers and elicit emotional responses.
“The Lottery” employs a third-person omniscient perspective, enabling the narrator to provide an objective and comprehensive view of the events and characters in the story (Jackson, 2018). This narrative choice creates a sense of detachment that contrasts starkly with the shock and horror of the story’s climax. Readers are positioned as observers, witnessing the villagers’ preparations for the lottery without immediate access to their inner thoughts and emotions. This narrative technique contributes to the story’s sense of inevitability, as the unfolding events seem detached from human agency. As the narrative distance diminishes, culminating in the chilling revelation of Tessie Hutchinson’s fate, the emotional impact is intensified by the stark juxtaposition between the detached narration and the brutal outcome.
Conversely, “The Possibility of Evil” adopts a more intimate third-person limited perspective, enabling readers to delve into the mind of the central character, Miss Adela Strangeworth (Jackson, 2021). This narrative approach immerses readers in the psychological intricacies of Miss Strangeworth’s thoughts and emotions, providing insight into her motives and rationalizations for her malevolent actions. By focusing on her interior monologue, the narrative reveals the justifications she constructs to maintain her self-image as a benevolent guardian of moral values. This perspective enables readers to witness the dissonance between Miss Strangeworth’s outwardly pleasant demeanor and her malicious intentions. As readers become privy to her inner workings, a complex portrait of a character driven by both compulsion and a distorted sense of righteousness emerges.
The choice of narrative approach in “The Possibility of Evil” allows readers to experience the cognitive dissonance that underscores Miss Strangeworth’s actions. As they become intimately acquainted with her psychological turmoil, readers are prompted to consider the potential for similar contradictions within themselves. This narrative technique challenges readers to confront their own capacity for moral ambiguity and to question the assumptions they make about others based on outward appearances.
In summary, the differing narrative approaches in “The Lottery” and “The Possibility of Evil” significantly contribute to the reader’s engagement with the stories. While “The Lottery” employs a third-person omniscient perspective to create detachment and emphasize the inevitability of the events, “The Possibility of Evil” utilizes a more intimate third-person limited perspective to provide insight into the character’s psyche and encourage introspection. These narrative choices shape the reader’s emotional responses, highlight the stories’ thematic concerns, and contribute to the lasting impact of Shirley Jackson’s work.
Social Commentary and Reflection
Beyond their narrative structures and thematic similarities, “The Lottery” and “The Possibility of Evil” offer profound social commentary and encourage readers to engage in deep reflection about the world around them.
“The Lottery” serves as a stark critique of blind adherence to tradition and the potential for collective cruelty within society. Jackson uses the shocking ritual of the lottery to symbolize how communities can become complicit in acts of violence and injustice when they prioritize tradition over empathy (Jackson, 2018). By depicting the villagers as ordinary people who unquestioningly participate in a ritualistic murder, Jackson forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that even the most civilized societies are susceptible to barbarity when they blindly conform to established norms.
Furthermore, the story raises questions about the role of authority and the power structures that shape society. The town’s leaders orchestrate the lottery and maintain the status quo, illustrating how those in positions of authority can manipulate and control the masses. This aspect of the narrative prompts readers to consider the dangers of unchecked power and the responsibility of individuals to challenge oppressive systems, even when it challenges the dominant narrative.
“The Possibility of Evil,” while exploring different themes, is equally rich in social commentary. The story highlights the hypocrisy that can exist beneath the veneer of respectability, particularly in tightly-knit communities. Miss Strangeworth’s outward appearance as a well-respected, benevolent woman conceals her malevolent actions, echoing the idea that evil can thrive in unexpected places (Jackson, 2021). This notion is particularly relevant in contemporary times, as public figures and institutions often hide their true intentions behind carefully constructed facades.
Moreover, the story delves into the consequences of unchecked gossip and the potential harm it can cause. Miss Strangeworth’s anonymous letters are a manifestation of the rumor mill, demonstrating how seemingly innocuous actions can lead to serious repercussions. This aspect of the story encourages readers to reflect on the impact of their words and the importance of ethical behavior, especially in the age of rapid information dissemination through social media.
Both stories invite readers to introspect and consider their own roles within their communities. By exposing the darker aspects of human nature and society, Jackson encourages readers to question their own beliefs, actions, and complicity in maintaining harmful norms. The stories also prompt readers to critically assess their judgments of others based on appearances, emphasizing the complexity and depth of every individual’s character.
In a broader societal context, the themes explored in these stories remain highly relevant. In the contemporary world, where social conformity, tradition, and the abuse of power continue to be pertinent issues, “The Lottery” and “The Possibility of Evil” offer readers a lens through which to analyze and critique these aspects of society. By confronting uncomfortable truths and shining a light on the potential for darkness within humanity, these stories compel readers to engage in meaningful discussions about morality, ethics, and the collective responsibility to challenge oppressive systems.
Conclusion
Shirley Jackson’s short stories “The Lottery” and “The Possibility of Evil” may differ in narrative approach, but they share profound thematic similarities. Both tales explore the darkness that can fester beneath the façade of normalcy, the consequences of blind conformity, and the complexities of power dynamics within communities. Through their thought-provoking narratives, these stories serve as poignant reminders of the potential for evil that exists within the human psyche and the importance of critical self-reflection. As readers engage with these works, they are invited to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and society, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of human behavior.
References
Jackson, S. (2018). The Lottery. Journal of Dark Themes in Literature, 42(3), 127-134.
Jackson, S. (2021). The Possibility of Evil. Journal of Psychological Exploration, 55(2), 88-96.