In The lottery by Shirley Jackson, the characters choice in what they wore was a very significant symbol. They all chose not to wear their best attire as a person would normally wear if they were going to an important lottery where the outcome would be a good reward. The way the author explained, “the women, wearing faded house dresses and sweaters” (405), brings an awareness in the beginning of the story that people were not there for a lottery like are held in today’s times. People would normally dress up in better clothes if going to an exciting function where they were intending on winning something good.
The conversation also depicts a somber picture of the day as well as the clothes. When the men began to gather “their jokes were quiet and they smiled instead of laughed” (405) suggesting that this time was not for a joyous gathering. Both the way the villagers were dressed and the tone of conversation before the lottery, gives readers an insight to the rest of the story.
-Colleen P