Setting is, as defined by Dr. Hugh H. Paschal, “an author’s use of time, place, and

props” (374). Even though the setting in a literary work proves successful in achieving

the author’s desired outcome, readers often neglect its importance. Using realism, the

author brings the reader into his work and the environment feels natural to him. Setting

can influence what the character does. His environment may contribute to his

personality, values, attitudes, and problems. Organization provides the familiarity of a

setting, allowing the reader to form a mental picture of the scene. Through detailed

illustrations the author sets the atmosphere or mood of their work. Irony in setting allows

the reader various insights of a literary work than what was initially presented

(Paschal 46-49). For example, Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” initially offers a sense of

calmness and peace in an ordinary town and leaves the reader in shock with the stoning

of a random member in the community. First, Jackson uses the aspect of time to describe

the season the work takes place. She writes, “June 27th was clear and sunny, with the

and the revival of plants.” Shaw goes on to say, “The life-death theme of the story is

Some topics in this essay:
Lenemaja Friedman, Patrick Shaw, Lottery” Jackson, Hugh Paschal, Shirley Jackson’s, Lottery” Jackson’s, Samhain Celts, Secondly Jackson, Creek Bridge”, Christmas Thanksgiving, “the lottery”, black box, setting “the, lottery box, smooth round, lottery” jackson, smooth round stones, setting “the lottery”, round stones, jackson writes, blossoming profusely grass, day flowers, full-summer day, flowers blossoming profusely, profusely grass richly,