Setting and Atmosphere-An Important Enhancement, Neutral Addition, or Mild Distraction to the Story Lines of “The Lottery”, “Haircut”, and “Hunters in the Snow”?
...th all that is going on in the beginning. "The Lottery" portrays many aspects of how traditions and rituals are carried on from generation to generation. Furthermore, her work has a great deal of symbolism that the reader can connect with and interpret their own feelings about the subject matter. "The Lottery" reveals many sides of human nature and the willingness for one person to suffer just because of the pride of a tradition. I find it awkward that Mrs. Hutchinson shows up late, joking about it, she says, “Wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes in the sink, now, would you, Joe?” (Jackson 80) She finds it amusing, and then she becomes the victim, and she demands for another draw. In Ring Lardner’s “The Haircut”, the story concerns the events in a small unnamed Michigan town as told by a barber while he is cutting a client's hair. He tells of the death of Jim Kendall, a practical joker whose comedy and other actions leave virtue much desired, and who is killed by a supposedly accidental shooting during a hunt. The only clear theme of the story involves the satirizing of smug small town values, portrayed through Whitey's narration. The character of the barber illustrates these deficient values, and how these set the stage for a traditional interpretation of "Haircut". Jim, a prankster in a small hickish town in the country, is probably best classified as a town bully, getting even with everyone else in the town's wrongdoing. As the judge, jury, and executioner, he gets away with everything he darn well wants to, until someone in this little town takes action and accidentally shoots him. He is loud and obnoxious, with selfish motives, only trying to make himself look better, and shows no consideration for his own family. Tobias Wolff’s “Hunters in the Snow”, is a compelling story giving readers the opportunity of exploring the author's pessimistic views while enjoying his humor. An open-minded reader is likely to learn from the author's experiences. Tobias Wolff leaves readers pondering as he not only chooses the most pessimistic turn of events, but closes this writing with a dismal ending. There are several instances that leave the readers asking why. Did Tub shoot Kenny in fear or was it because of a sudden outburst Kenny caused from taunting him all day. After all, according to bergtraum.com, Kenny and Frank left Tub hanging, and the...