"The Lottery"

I think there is a lot of symbolism in "The Lottery". There are many things that seem to be symbolizing something much more significant, such as clothing and conversation. The story seems to put an emphasis on they way the people are dressed just so. They are dressed similarly, "The women, wearing faded house dresses and sweaters . . .(pg 405)" but not dressed up in fancy clothes. They act like it is such a big occasion that there is a certain way to act and dress, but its a different kind of big occasion than what we would be used to. They know what is coming and it's almost like they are there because it's their duty to do that job. They don't need to get dressed up to do a job like that. Everything just has to be uniform.

The way they talk to each other shows some nervousness. They realize what they will have to do but they know that's just the way it is. They make small talk to pass the time, "men began to gather . . . speaking of planting and rain, tractors and taxes. (pg. 405)" There is no discussion of whats to come. I think it shows that they are nervous for their own fates. By the end though, when its time to do what they came for, I don't believe they care too much about the fates of their freinds.